Fibox Enclosures all products Application Information
How to select the right enclosure material
Size is normally the fi rst and the most dominant criterion when looking for the right enclosure for a specifi c application. Enclosure performance, i.e. material performance, is usually the second property considered.The following list of benefi ts and drawbacks indicates
the basic differences between the various FIBOX enclosure materials.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Standard polycarbonate (PC)
Benefi ts:
• Very high impact resistance
• Available in transparent form
• Easy machining with normal tools
• High IP rating
• Excellent surface fi nish
• Wide operating temperature range
• Self-extinguishing fl ammability
Acrylnitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)
Benefi ts:
• Easy machining with normal tools
• Easy coloring through pigmentation
• Low weight
• Good resistance to chemical attack
• Excellent insulating properties
Aluminum (AL)
• Good resistance to chemical attack
• Light weight
• Good UV resistance
• Excellent insulating properties
• Cost-effective material for harsh environments
Drawbacks:
• No EMC shielding
Drawbacks:
• Slightly lower impact resistance compared with PC
• Slightly lower operating temperature range compared with PC
• Slightly lower UV resistance compared with PC.
• Not available in transparent form
• No EMC shielding
Benefi ts:
• Good resistance to chemical attack (painted)
• High impact resistance
• Wide operating temperature range
• Electrically conductive
• EMC shielding.
• Good heat sink properties
• Rigid construction
Fiberglass (GRP)
Benefi ts:
• Excellent record of resistance to corrosion and chemical attack
• Good impact resistance
• Rigid construction
• Good weather resistance
• Wide operating temperature range
• Fire resistant
• Good insulating properties
8
Drawbacks:
• More expensive than PC
• Heavier than PC and ABS
• Machining with special tools only
Drawbacks:
• More expensive than PC
• Cannot be machined using standard tools
• No EMC shielding
• Heavier than other plastic enclosures
Comparison of materials
The following table provides a general indication of the properties of various materials. For more detailed information on material
performance in your specifi c application environment, please consult your local FIBOX representative.
PC ABS GRP
2)
AL
1)
PA6
3)
Outdoor use • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Indoor use • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Cost • • • • • • • • • • • •
Light weight • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
High rigidity • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Impact resistance • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Chemical resistance
1)
Salt water environments • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Neutral salts • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • •
1)
• • • •
Acids, low concentrations • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Acids, high concentrations • • • • • • • • •
Alkalis, low concentrations • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Alkalis, high concentrations • • • • • • • • • • •
Petroleum • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Hydraulic oil • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Alcohols • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Solvents • • • • • • • • • • • •
Cooling fl uids • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • = Excellent
• = Poor
1)
Polyester powder coated AISi cast aluminum
2)
Glass fi ber reinforced polyester (fi berglass)
3)
Polyamide (nylon)
Data subject to change without notice.
9
Loading...