Find me an enclosure – and make it snappy. Or hinged. Or lugged ...

Alan Lewis, business development manager at Retex UK, explains what manufacturers must look for when specifying an enclosure for their application. 

From the internal layout to the overall footprint, there are a number of factors that you must consider when looking at the size and shape of your enclosure. 

The size of the enclosure defines the overall dimensions of the product; therefore it is important to consider the ideal size during specification. There is no point in specifying an enclosure which is too small, but ultimately you may reduce the product’s functionality and desirability by choosing an enclosure with dimensions that are too large. 

Enclosures are often called ‘cases’ and ‘boxes’. As this is the optimal design for maximum volume for internal wiring, many enclosures do match this rectangular box shape; however, a well developed product range should accommodate many varying sizes and profiles. Hand-held enclosures have become increasingly commonplace, as smaller devices are manufactured which can fit comfortably within the palm of the hand. Cases can be modified by rounding off the corners and producing edges with a slight curve; or reducing the width and height of the enclosure so as to allow the thumb to hold the device in a wider movement. 

Slightly more difficult to accommodate are desktop enclosures which may be required to sit in many different locations or offer varying viewing angles. Enclosure manufacturers have developed an extended range of desktop solutions to accommodate the majority of industry requirements. This includes instrument cases with retractable feet, so the enclosure can either lie flat on a surface or at an angle and sloping enclosures with a viewing panel raised at a second, steeper angle. 

Internal layout

Alan Lewis

Fixing points and other aspects of internal design ultimately determines the suitability of a product to any given application. There may be a requirement to fix a terminal block in place, securely mount a PCB or house a battery.

Suppliers like Retex and Hammond Manufacturing are able to offer a range of internal ‘maps’ for each of its product series, meaning that the majority of designs can be accommodated within the existing product range. PCB mounts can be integrated into the internal enclosure wall, allowing the card to simply slide into place, and battery compartments with separation walls for AA, AAA  and PP3 batteries. 

Then there is the lid - snap-fit, hinged, lugged? It will depend on the access you need to have to your device, the way it is mounted and the protection rating your enclosure demands.    

Enclosure buyers should find a manufacturer you can speak to about your requirements to suit your design. Bespoke designs are great, but a luxury only some can afford, so finding a standard housing which closely matches the customised process will save you time and money.

With many years experience at the cutting edge of enclosure design, Retex provides high quality protection and eye-catching styling for hand-held devices. Retex ABS enclosures are now available from Rapid.