Polyester Enclosures

More Information about Polyester Enclosures

Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester Enclosures

Fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP) enclosures are a type of polyester enclosure that is reinforced with fiberglass for added strength and durability. Fiberglass reinforced polyester enclosures are commonly used in corrosive and harsh environments, such as chemical plants, wastewater treatment facilities, and marine applications.

The addition of fiberglass to the polyester resin creates a composite material that is stronger and more rigid than regular polyester. This makes FRP enclosures resistant to impact and vibration, and able to withstand high temperatures and extreme weather conditions.

Plastic Enclosures

Plastic enclosures are enclosures made of plastic materials, such as polycarbonate, ABS, PVC, or polypropylene. Plastic enclosures are used to protect various types of equipment, instruments, and electronics from dust, water, and other environmental hazards. They are commonly used in the electronics industry, but they also have applications in the medical, automotive, and industrial sectors.

FAQs

Are polyester enclosures halogen free?

Polyester enclosures are not inherently halogen-free, as the material used to make polyester enclosures typically contains halogens such as chlorine and fluorine. However, some manufacturers offer halogen-free polyester enclosures that use a different type of polymer material, such as polycarbonate or ABS, instead of traditional polyester.

Are polyester enclosures self extinguishing?

Polyester enclosures are typically not self-extinguishing, meaning that they will not automatically stop burning once the source of the fire has been removed. However, some polyester materials can be modified with additives to make them self-extinguishing.

What is reinforced polyester?

Reinforced polyester is a composite material made from a mixture of polyester resin and a reinforcement material, such as fiberglass or carbon fiber. The reinforcement material is added to the polyester resin to increase the strength, durability, and stiffness of the resulting composite material.

Characteristics of non-metallic enclosures:

NEMA 4x rating for outdoor use providing chemical resistance and protection from dust, debris, water and rain.

High insulation value, which provides insulation from cold and hot temperatures, but does not dissipate heat from inside the enclosure.

Non-conductive, meaning components cannot be grounded to the enclosure, but it still provides the same security and tamper resistance levels as metallic enclosures when properly locked.

Types of non-metallic enclosures:

Fiberglass

A thermoset polyester material reinforced with glass fibers. It is the most widely used non-metallic material in the industry. It has high impact strength and rigidity (dimensional stability), a superior working temperature range (-31˚F to 300˚F), excellent electrical properties, moisture and chemical resistance, as well as being cost effective.  

Polycarbonate

High-performance thermoplastic resin processed by injection molding or sheet extrusion. It has superior impact resistance, good rigidity (dimensional stability), an extended temperature range (-31˚F to 180˚F), excellent electrical properties, fire retention, UV stability and corrosion resistance in some acidic surroundings. It is not suitable for environments with strong alkalis and organic solvents.

ABS or ABS blends

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a common thermoplastic polymer processed by injection molding. It has high impact resistance, but less impact resistance in cold weather compared to polycarbonate, excellent electrical properties, superior chemical and moisture resistance, but a narrower temperature range than fiberglass (-40˚F to 248˚F).

 Polyester

High-performance unfilled thermal plastic processed by injection molding. It has high impact resistance, but less impact resistance in cold weather than polycarbonate, excellent electrical properties, superior chemical and moisture resistance, but a narrower temperature range than fiberglass (-40˚F to 248˚F).