An electronic enclosure is used to protect an appliance from getting damaged. Besides this, the enclosure also protects it from electrical shocks. Most electronic enclosures are made from plastic, as they protect the appliance from environmental elements such as dust, dirt, water, chemicals, and heat. If the machine is not covered properly with the enclosure, these elements may affect the performance of the machine.
Important Features of Electronic Plastic Enclosure
There are several features offered by plastic enclosures, because of which they are used in a number of electronic applications. Here are some of the features:
- The major difference between plastic and other materials used to create electronic enclosures is that plastic is a bad conductor of electricity. This feature is especially imperative if one has concerns about the electrical shortage, or if the device is to be used near water.
- If one plans to outsource the electronic devices’ assembly for a particular project, the weight of the enclosure plays an important role. Plastic is the best material for such requirements, as it is a lightweight material, and will not hinder the appliance’s performance.
- Costs play a significant role in almost every electrical device project. Plastic is more cost-effective compared to steel, aluminum, and other metals that are used to create enclosures for electronic devices.
- Metal enclosures require finishing, whereas those with plastic don’t. This reduces one step of the production process without jeopardizing the robustness of the plastic enclosure.
Advantages of Electronic Plastic Enclosures
Here are some of the advantages of plastic, which make it a preferred material for enclosures:
- Non-Magnetic: Under certain circumstances, an enclosure that is made out of a magnetic material can damage the equipment that is enclosed in it. It can also cause damage to any equipment that is placed around it. By using plastic enclosures, the chances of magnetic interferences are eliminated, and the equipment is saved from getting damaged.
- Water-resistant: At times, electronic enclosures need to be installed in wet environments, such as in the vicinity of lakes, ponds, or sometimes even underwater. In some factories, where electronic enclosures are used in very humid environments, such as outdoor operations. In such cases, plastic is a superior choice compared to metal as it is waterproof, and it is not susceptible to rusting either.
- Insulating: Plastic is a natural insulating material. It has the capability to offer good elemental protection, and it keeps the electronic components inside the enclosure at a constant temperature.
- Flexible: Compared to many metal types, plastic is a lot more flexible. Because of this, plastic enclosures are capable of absorbing vibrations, thus protecting the components inside from impact.
- Light Weight: Plastic is a lot lighter compared to most types of metal. This is especially helpful while constructing enclosures that have to be lifted often, or have to be held by hand.
All the features and advantages explained above clearly point to the fact that using a plastic enclosure for electronic products makes appliances safer to use.
