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Non-metallic electrical enclosures have proven themselves time and again in toughness, reliability and aesthetics. They’re competitive options with metallic enclosures for many applications and, for some, they offer even better performance. Polycase offers two main material types for non-metallic enclosures: polycarbonate and ABS. If you’re seeking high-performance enclosures at a competitive price, either can be an excellent choice.
But which offers superior features and functionality—an ABS plastic enclosure or a polycarbonate enclosure? The only correct answer, of course, is “whichever one meets your needs better!” But what are the relevant factors in making this decision, and what solutions does Polycase offer that address them? Find out below!
Polycarbonate is a heavy-duty thermoplastic commonly used for industrial and engineering applications where tough performance is a must. It’s well-known in manufacturing industries for its lightness and resilience, and it’s widely used in applications such as safety glasses, lighting equipment, medical devices and much more.
Reasons why you should consider a polycarbonate enclosure include:
For outdoor applications, Polycase recommends the use of a polycarbonate enclosure. A well-made polycarbonate enclosure easily steps up to the challenges of withstanding wind, water, heat and more to protect the sensitive components within. They do, however, typically cost more than ABS enclosures.
Polycase WH-14 model
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or ABS, is another rugged thermoplastic material that offers great performance at a lower cost than polycarbonate. This polymer is widely used for consumer applications such as luggage, toys and musical instruments, but also has numerous applications in the electronic and industrial fields.
Reasons to consider an ABS box include:
ABS is an excellent choice for indoor applications including desktop electronics. Although it’s heavier than polycarbonate, the material is still extremely lightweight, and durable enough for most indoor applications. It’s also substantially less expensive than polycarbonate.
However, ABS plastic has lower resistance to extreme conditions and industrial chemicals than polycarbonate. If your enclosure is likely to see exposure to high temperatures, solvents or other challenging environments, you most likely need a polycarbonate enclosure.
Polycase XR-35F
Polycase is an industry-leading source of superior plastic enclosures. We offer both polycarbonate enclosures and ABS enclosures at great prices and with great features. Check out some of our most popular models below, in both ABS and polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate Enclosure Models:
ABS Enclosure Models:
These models are just the beginning. Our full product line includes an even more expansive range of weatherproof electronics enclosure solutions, including metal enclosures.
Non-metallic enclosures have a lot to offer, whether you need enterprise-scale electronic enclosure solutions or just a project box. And for the best non-metallic enclosures, available online with fast shipping and with customized features, look no further than Polycase! You can get a free quote today in just minutes by using our quote calculator or call us at 1-800-248-1233 to learn more about our complete polycarbonate and ABS enclosure solutions.