Instrument Enclosures
Instrument enclosures protect electronic devices inside metal or plastic housing. Because of their sensitive circuitry, the components must be protected from dirt, water and accidental contact. Being kept in an enclosure prevents the intrusion of solid foreign objects as well as liquids to a certain extent. Instrument enclosures are made from aluminum, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, stainless steel and, for certain models, polyester with fiberglass reinforcing. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Equipto Electronics Corporation
Aurora, IL | 800-204-7225We are committed to excellence and our innovations in enclosure technology is an example of our commitment. Our unparalleled electronic enclosures are specialized for various tasks and our facility is ISO 9001:2008 certified & RoHS compliant.
Maysteel Industries, LLC
Allenton, WI | 262-251-1632Maysteel specializes in designing, engineering, and manufacturing custom sheet metal enclosures, cabinets, kiosks, and racks. Our team members are versed in both EMI and RFI containment to keep your electronic components safe.
Qube Corporation
Chagrin Falls, OH | 800-747-8381Qube Corporation is a leading manufacturer of high-quality standard and custom plastic enclosures and consoles. Innovative process allows easy customization. Please call or visit our website today for more information about our quality products and outstanding service.
Protocase, Inc.
Sydney, NS | 866-849-3911We manufacture custom sheet metal electronic enclosures, mounting hardware, and miscellaneous components. We start from your design, and build them in 2-3 days, with no minimum order requirements. Products are built from your choice of aluminum, steel, stainless, or galvanized, and are fully finished, including fasteners, hardware, welding, powdercoating, and silkscreen.
Hudson Technologies
Ormond Beach, FL | 866-241-4448Established in 1940, Hudson Tool & Die Co. is an industry leader in precision deep drawn stampings. In addition to our deep draw stamping, we offer stamped metal enclosures and assemblies. We also provide engineering and development assistance from concept through the development of prototypes. We also design metal enclosures to meet your needs.
Instrument enclosures come in many varieties to accommodate the wide array of electronic instruments. For small handheld instruments, enclosures may be custom-contoured to the shape of the device and designed to provide long-lasting protection and shock absorption. Desktop instruments can generally be housed in a box-like enclosure that is manageable in size and durability, protecting against spills and accidental contact.
Instrument Enclosures – Equipto Electronics CorporationWall mounted enclosures keep their contents close to the electronic equipment the instruments control while shielding them from dust, dirt, splashing water and other undesirable contact. Electronic instruments are used in many applications, especially for precision work in scientific, engineering, medical and technological fields. Possible instrument uses include control panels, operation switches, measuring devices and more. New ways of making enclosures safe and effective are constantly being researched due to the demand for and critical nature of electronic instruments.
The parts of an instrument enclosure vary depending on the application. Hand held enclosures may have slide-on covers or a knockout for a LCD screen. Desktop enclosures may have vents, handles, locking mechanisms and membrane keyboards while wall mounted enclosures are frequently hung on DIN rail with the ability to slide into position.
Other options incorporate neoprene seals or watertight gaskets, transparent lids or covers, recessed areas for labels or keypads, cylinder catches, lock covers, thermometers, drains, air dyers and special coatings to shield the contents from static electricity or EMI/RFI (electromagnetic and radio frequency interference). Metal enclosures can be constructed of cold rolled sheet metal that is welded for a smooth seam; aluminum is usually extruded.
Plastics, fiberglass and composite materials are gaining favor in certain situations because of their corrosion resistance, durability and weight. No matter what the material is, however, there are certain standards to which all enclosures must adhere. NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, UL, the Underwriters Laboratories and the IP Code, or the International Protection Rating are all used to identify the enclosure's strengths and applicable functions as determined by the conditions they can withstand. For example, the common NEMA Type 4X enclosure can be used indoors or outdoors to protect its contents against corrosion, windblown dust, rain, sleet, snow, splashing or hose-directed water and the external formation of ice.