ABS Enclosures
Enclosures made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) are lightweight yet strong and durable housing solutions for electronic and electrical components. These enclosures serve both indoor and outdoor applications with outstanding performance. The performance of ABS plastic enclosures in serving as housing for electronic components is a direct result of the excellent impact resistance and weatherproofing properties of the material. Even more importantly, when flame-retardant grades of ABS are used, the safety of the enclosure in serving as a housing for electrical components is nearly guaranteed.
The available variety of sizes and configurations, including hand held models and options with machined modifications to fit specific equipment, is one of the main reasons that ABS enclosures are so versatile. Mounting hardware, aluminum end panels, and other features often found on ABS enclosures further increase their adaptability to serve in not just industrial, but also in general-purpose applications. NEMA-rated ABS enclosures protect the housed equipment against dust, moisture, and a range of other environmental factors.
More Information about ABS Enclosures
Easy to use, these ABS enclosures are perfect for providing quick, cost-saving solutions in projects that need them. The molded construction of these enclosures allows their "seamless" integration into a range of setups. A multitude of modifications and accessories makes them compatible with a range of applications, hence the popularity of these enclosures with not just engineers but even manufacturers who are looking for reliable and highly customizable housing options.
Non-Metallic Enclosure Types
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).