Polystyrene Enclosures

Polystyrene enclosures serve as a popular choice for various applications, particularly in instances where a lightweight and affordable solution is required. Polystyrene, often used in the making of these enclosures, is a type of plastic known for its rigidity and ease of molding into various shapes. These enclosures offer a contrast to their polycarbonate counterparts, which are known for their higher impact resistance and durability.
Manufacturers often design polystyrene enclosures with specific applications in mind. For instance, certain models may come with knockouts, facilitating easy access for wiring or cable management. These knockouts, depending on the design and intended application, can vary in sizes and locations on the enclosure. Some of these enclosures might also come with special features, such as battery compartments, to cater to specific needs.
The enclosures are predominantly used indoors, given the material's sensitivity to UV exposure. Polystyrene, while robust in many ways, may not fare as well in direct sunlight over extended periods, unlike some other materials like polycarbonate. This makes polystyrene enclosures ideal for indoor applications where factors like UV resistance aren't critical.
Subcategories
Products
More Information about Polystyrene Enclosures
Polystyrene enclosures can be found in a variety of colors, although light grey is commonly used in many industrial settings. This material also provides an excellent surface for branding or labeling, allowing businesses to customize the appearance of the enclosure unit according to their needs.
Given the diverse range of applications and environments in which these enclosures are used, they often come with specific ingress protection (IP) ratings. These ratings indicate the enclosure's ability to prevent the ingress of dust, water, and other foreign materials, ensuring the safety and longevity of the components housed within.
FAQs
Are polystyrene enclosures similar to plastic enclosures?
Yes, polystyrene enclosures are a type of plastic enclosure. Polystyrene is a specific kind of plastic material known for its rigidity and ease of molding. While all polystyrene enclosures are plastic, not all plastic enclosures are made of polystyrene, as there are various types of plastics used in enclosure manufacturing.
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).