Aluminum Enclosures

Aluminum Enclosure Design

Aluminum enclosures can have a closed lid or a hinged door that can be secured, depending on the application. Corner screw covers and bezels conceal the mounting hardware, while continuous flanges or internal gaskets keep out dust and moisture. Labels, foil keyboards, and other alterations are all possible because of recessed areas in the enclosure's surface. Since aluminum is tough and has great structural strength, they frequently stand independently. Aluminum is forced through a die to form the correct cross-section used to make several enclosures.

Enclosures can also be cast or manufactured of rolled aluminum sheets and finished with a powdered coat or enamel. Depending on the purpose, these enclosures can be manufactured to specific requirements. Similar to the IP Code, NEMA offers safety ratings and certifications. They do not, however, map onto one another because they have various traits. Different NEMA types are used, such as 1, 3R, and 12. They cover everything from non-hazardous indoor use to outside protection from snow, rain, ice, and sleet.

Types of Aluminum Enclosures

Die Cast Aluminum Enclosures

In the well-known metal production technique known as die casting, molten metal is forced into a closed mold, also known as a die, to generate the desired forms. Then, the mold is removed, and the cast is expelled once the material inside has cooled.

Applications

Aluminum is a popular option for elevated-pressure die casting due to its many advantageous properties. In addition, aluminum is useful for various indoor and outdoor uses due to its strength and elasticity, which can be improved by blending it with other metals. They can also be found in many medical devices where removing EMI/RFI interference is essential.

For instance, die cast aluminum casings frequently protect switchboards and meter boxes in various industrial situations. In addition, in many healthcare devices, where reducing EMI/RFI interference is crucial, die cast aluminum enclosures are used because of their inherent RFI/EMI shielding level.

Advantages

The die casting method is perfect for individuals who need intricate pieces since it uses molten metal to create the precise shape of the die. The fact that die casting produces lighter, thinner walls is another significant benefit. Die casting doesn't require a thick product, unlike the extrusion production process. The result is an aluminum enclosure that is thin, light, and has a lovely surface finish.

Disadvantages

Die cast aluminum enclosures are a preferred option for design engineers because of their resistance to corrosion and EMI shielding qualities. However, several things could be improved in this manufacturing process. Die casting is more suited for high-volume production because of its high upfront cost. Another typical issue with diecasting is porosity, which is brought on by trapped air in the steel die.

Extruded Aluminum Enclosures

Aluminum is inserted in an extrusion press during the extrusion process, where it is then pushed through a die by a hydraulic ram. The outcome is a lengthy part that can be chopped or machined as required.

Applications

Aluminum extruded enclosures can be seen in outdoor and indoor settings because they are made to endure dust and water. They are most frequently used to safeguard PCBs (printed circuit boards) in information systems, monitors, the Web of Things, medical applications, and various information systems.

Advantages

Engineers can profit from a variety of advantages of extruded aluminum enclosures. Multiple extruded aluminum enclosures also come with features that offer protection from various environmental variables. For instance, the extruded aluminum enclosures provide EMI shielding and waterproof gaskets and are built to comply with international aluminum enclosure requirements such as NEMA.

Installation takes less time with extruded aluminum enclosures because the PCBs may slip in. In addition, extruded aluminum casings ensure that extreme temperatures won't harm the delicate PCB components by having exceptional heat dissipation capabilities.

Disadvantages

The extrusion method has some limitations on assembly techniques and can only produce a finite number of shapes. In addition, the end caps also need to be produced separately.

Industrial Applications

Aluminum enclosures are employed in practically every industry that needs electrical equipment because of the variety of sizes available. Computers can be installed inside an enclosure for protection or purchased with aluminum unibody enclosures. Aluminum is widely used to enclose handheld gadgets. Examples of small remotes include garage door openers and car starters. Aluminum enclosures shield electrical conduits, power switches, and other crucial controls to avoid accidental contact between the box's contents and people or objects.

Selecting the Correct Aluminum Enclosure Supplier

For the most beneficial outcome when purchasing an aluminum enclosure from an aluminum enclosure supplier, it is important to compare several companies using our directory of aluminum enclosure suppliers. Each aluminum enclosure supplier has a business profile page illustrating their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to directly communicate with the supplier for more information or request a quote. Review each aluminum enclosure business website using our proprietary website previewer to get a better idea of what each company specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple aluminum enclosure businesses with the same form.