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Innovative Enclosure Products
By Terrence Lynch, Contributing Editor -- Design News, June 2, 2002
Workstation enclosure keeps it simple
Modular enclosure systems allow users to closely tailor the size and specifics of a particular enclosure design, but their cost and complexity are often out of line with the need to simply put an environmentally protected PC out on a shop floor. Enter the PROLINE Gold Series of computer workstation enclosures. "This is a solid-sided enclosure with a bracket system on the inside," explains Ron Rontondo, design supervisor for the product. The advantage, he says, is their reduced cost and simple set-up. The design comes with two standard vented shelves and accommodates all the accessories common on modular platforms—grid straps, racks, active heating and cooling components, etc. But the system allows users to configure a monitor, CPU, and peripherals the way they like without worrying about complex sealing or other issues. "The big differentiator is the isolated keyboard compartment that can be opened while the rest of the enclosure retains the integrity of a UL 12 rating," says Rontondo. Available in a range of sizes, standard PROLINE Gold models feature an angled, upper-front window door and solid lower-front and rear doors with the patented PROLINE latching system. Solid doors and covers are also available. Hoffman Industrial: Enter 515
A box for all seasons
Electrical equipment or instrumentation enclosures are all around us, but they usually go unnoticed unless something goes wrong. What could go wrong with a box? A lot of things, say the makers of DiamondShield enclosures—and their products' design features show that they've thought about most of them. First off, the enclosures' UV-resistant SolarGuard fiberglass composite construction delivers better impact resistance than conventional steel or aluminum designs. Non-conductive and non-corroding, SolarGuard retains structural and sealing integrity after impacts that could deform metal enclosures. Next, they feature molded-in external flanges and internal panel mounts that eliminate the need for through-wall fasteners for hinges, latches, or panel mounts. A tongue-and-groove door-sealing system offers maximum protection from outside contamination. Finally, flexible internal panel mounting options allow engineers to make use of nearly all the available volume. DiamondShield enclosures deliver NEMA 4X and IP 66 environmental ratings and are available in 10 sizes, from 6×6×4 inches to 20×16×10 inches. Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures: Enter 516
Enclosure mass customizes HMI
A clever system of extruded aluminum frames, panels, and connectors engineered to work together enables custom human-machine interface (HMI) enclosures to be constructed from "modified standard" components. The VIP 6000 Command Panel, available in depths from 6 to 16 inches, accommodates larger, often CRT-based controllers. The Optipanel, in 2- to 6-inch depths, handles flat-panel HMI devices. Together, the panels represent a departure in custom enclosure manufacturing. "We can react very quickly," says Mike Herzog, HMI product line manager for Rittal Corp. "We've gone from eight weeks down to two-to-four weeks delivery time." The system offers standard and customized keyboard housings, hinged or fixed keyboard-to-enclosure connectors, colored bezels, various back-panel access configurations, and attachments for pendant mounting. Users can choose flat frames integrated passive cooling fins, or a miniature air conditioner. VIP 6000 and Optipanel enclosures provide UL/cUL 12 and NEMA 12/IP 65 protection respectively. Rittal Corp.: Enter 517
