Material Care

The material of an enclosure plays an important role in ensuring the longevity of your device, by being mindful of the material, you can extend the life of the enclosure.

ABS Enclosure Care

ABS enclosures are designed for indoor applications where exposure to UV-rays is minimal. They're ideal for small desktop electronics, potting boxes, and data logging.

  • Utilize mechanical fasteners such as a lock washer rather than a chemical thread-tightener (like Loctite), as chemicals can cause the ABS plastic to become brittle and crack.
  • Potting boxes often benefit from potting compounds as they provide extra rigidity and resistance to environmental factors like heat, moisture and chemicals. Epoxy, silicone, acrylic and polyurethane are common choices.
  • Protect threads on plastic mounting bosses by reusing the original thread:
    1. Turn the screw counterclockwise
    2. Stop when it "drops" into the original thread formed in the boss
    3. Tighten the screw down
  • Keep enclosures out of direct sunlight as UV-rays will break down the ABS plastic overtime
Polycarbonate Enclosure Care

Polycarbonate enclosures are designed for more demanding environments, often seen outdoors - these enclosures typically have NEMA/IP-ratings making them ideal for telecommunication devices, junction boxes and other electrical applications.

  • Utilize mechanical fasteners such as a lock washer rather than a chemical thread-tightener (like Loctite), as chemicals can cause the polycarbonate plastic to become brittle and crack over time.
  • While our outdoor polycarbonate enclosures are UV-stable, it's important to be mindful that inked graphics on the enclosure are in a shaded area if possible - this could help extend the life of your graphics by 1-2 years.
Metal Enclosure Care

We offer various metal enclosure options, including; die-cast aluminum, extruded aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel. Often used for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications, these enclosures can be ideal for potting boxes, control sensors, and junction boxes.

  • Although metal enclosures offer inherent EMI/RFI attenuation, they must be properly sealed to be considered as EMI/RFI shielded. Learn more about EMI/RFI shielding here.
  • Carbon steel enclosures require a protective anti-corrosion layer to prevent rust, these enclosures may need touch-ups after CNC machining or damage to the paint. We offer touch-up kits for our SB Series here.

Ratings Care

NEMA-rated and IP-rated enclosures offer reliable protection for a variety of applications. Whether the enclosure will be submersed periodically on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean, or occasionally exposed to rain and snow, it's important that your enclosure maintains the rating you need for your application.

Enclosures are often altered with CNC machining during the assembly of a device or for the preparation of internal components. These cutouts void the rating of the enclosure itself, and accessories equal to or greater than the enclosure rating are required in order to re-establish the protection level.

Waterproof Accessories
  • Hole plug
    • Rated up to NEMA 4X (IP68 Equivalent)
    • Ideal for sealing cutouts that are no longer needed
  • Vent plug
    • Rated up to NEMA 4X/IP68
    • Allows equalization of pressure, preventing buildup caused by temperature fluctuations
  • CG1 cable glands
    • Rated up to NEMA 4X (IP66 Equivalent)
    • Ideal for maintaining enclosure rating for cables entering or exiting the enclosure
  • CG3 cable glands
    • Rated up to NEMA 6P (IP68 Equivalent)
    • Ideal for maintaining enclosure rating for cables entering or exiting the enclosure