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 provides complex sheet metal fabrication with a focus on design for manufacturing. Founded in 1936, we combine our extensive engineering experience and market knowledge with an expanding supply chain footprint, allowing us to fabricate products that others can’t. We design, engineer and manufacture custom OEM sheet metal enclosures, kiosks, cabinets and racks. We have locations in the...
Electro-Space Fabricators, Inc.
Topton, PA | 610-682-7181Since 1962, our electronic enclosures have served the telecommunications and computer manufacturing industries. As the nation’s top metal enclosure producer, our plastic enclosures, computer enclosures and sheet metal enclosures are designed, engineered and fabricated for customized solutions.
CSI Electronics
Kokomo, IN | 800-823-5588CSI Electronics is a dedicated leader in the electronic enclosures industry. We offer a large selection of electronic enclosures in order to serve a wide range of industries. Our team is dedicated to advancing our company and creating innovative strategies and solutions.
Pro-Type Industries, Inc.
Sterling, VA | 888-776-8973Pro-Type Industries, Inc. has been designing and manufacturing sheet metal fabrications since 1969. We are dedicated to creating high-quality, innovative products for our customers. Pro-Type Industries, Inc. has a wide range of sheet metal fabrications with customization options available to ensure our products meet our customer's needs.
Ometek, Inc.
Columbus, OH | 877-663-8352Ometek specializes in sheet metal fabrication. Since 1977, we have functioned as a full-service source for precision-based electronic enclosure products to industries such as telecommunications, electronics, and the medical field.
Instrument Enclosures List
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.
