If the proper planning is executed from the beginning of the process, finding the best computer enclosure does not have to be overwhelming. Setting aside time for adequate research is the best course of action and will pay off in the long run. Keep in mind: not every enclosure company has the same product for the same price, and appropriate product comparisons should be made and reviewed.

What steps should be completed to find the perfect solution?

6 Steps to Specifying the Best Computer Enclosure for the Job:

1. Define Requirements

Meet with the team members involved on the enclosure expansion to clearly define the computer enclosure requirements. Important items to consider, include the NEMA rating, power supply, locks, hinges, window choices, thermal management, environmental temperature extremes, space requirements to house electronics (computer, monitor, printer, UPS, etc.), and the overall durability of the enclosure material. If every team member is on the same page at the beginning, there will be no surprises when the equipment arrives on site.

2. Research

Complete the necessary homework! Every enclosure company is going to make claims that they offer the highest quality computer enclosures on the market. However, if you dig a little deeper, you will find that the materials and hardware used – to build some enclosures – are flimsy. In the end, experience speaks for itself. To make sure you are purchasing the best product, submit the clearly defined project requirements to enclosure providers for a recommendation on their best product. Also, do not overlook the length of the warranty being offered. This could help down the road, if something unexpected occurs.

3. Choose the Best Supplier

When possible, evaluate a potential computer enclosure in person, or inquire if an evaluation unit is available. Most companies are willing to send one unit for a hands-on review, in anticipation of selling multiple units after the evaluation period is over. Companies with heavy duty units are always eager to send over a sample unit, because it will likely impress the end user. If an evaluation unit is not available, ask the enclosure supplier for a list of referrals of similar companies that they have worked with on previous projects.

4. Pricing

Once it is determined what (product) and who (enclosure supplier) has the best solution for the project, obtain a competitive price quote. Too often, customers ‘ballpark’ their budget far too low in the beginning and do not perform the correct evaluation of the products available on the market. Poor initial budgets could equate to sacrificing enclosure quality, which may end up costing a company more money over the course of time.

5. Create a Timeline

From electronics to accessories, understand the lead time for all the items required to properly execute a successful computer enclosure plan. Enclosure suppliers always have a handful of best-selling products ‘in stock,’ which means the lead time should only be a few days. However, if a specialized project requires a custom-made enclosure, then the lead time can be extensive. At times, a customer may need an enclosure solution in two weeks, but in order to fabricate a new product, the lead time could take up to 2 months. This will create headaches for everyone involved in the process. Failing to prepare – in a timely manner – may result in expedite fees to meet the company’s “go live” date.

6. Execute

If all of the ducks are in a row, executing the project will prove to be the easiest part! Be sure to assign a project manager to keep everything moving on the right track. In the end, if the plan was implemented properly, then the project will be a huge success. Also, save the enclosure supplier’s number or email, because you may want to order more units in the future!

Poor planning may result in poor product choices. In order to get the right product for the job, always ask questions (and more questions) during the process. How much will this cost? Will the chosen enclosure be best for my environment? What is the lead time? How will this ship? Can this product have thermal management? Can a printer fit? How will power enter the enclosure? These are just a few of the queries to ponder.

Detailed research is always the best course of action. When it comes to purchasing new computer enclosures, it is always good to have a strategy.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post Avoid Computer Enclosure Pitfalls with Planning appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

The term “custom” enclosure often gets a poor reputation for being more expensive than standard units and having excessive lead times. However, this is not always the case. When researching the best industrial computer enclosure for the job, it is critical to choose an enclosure provider which utilizes off-the-shelf items to customize a solution that meets the users’ needs.

Finding the right enclosure for a computer enclosure project is more extensive than just simply picking out a steel or stainless steel ‘box.’ Enclosures are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials with numerous options for accessories, mounting, connectivity, and climate control. End users and system integrators can simplify the process by choosing a customized solution that ships ready to be used upon delivery.

In order to meet the individual requirements of users, enclosure companies usually stock popular models and valuable accessories. Therefore, the company will be able to “build” an enclosure tailored to the end user’s specific needs more efficiently, than if it was constructed ‘from-scratch.’

Custom Factors to Consider:

Custom Colors

Sometimes the standard color offerings (gray, white, black, or even blue) will not suit the needs of a customer. Custom colors to fit a company’s branding scheme, to match other equipment, or for safety reasons may be required for certain applications. It is necessary for an enclosure company to provide specialized color(s) choices (Pantone or equivalent RAL color) on a small or large scale.

Custom Doors

Custom doors, ranging from dust-free printer access doors to rear extended doors to panel mountable doors for touchscreens, are crucial to the efficiency of the enclosure solution. Finding a means to access the electronics inside the pc enclosure is just as important as protecting the electronics from outside dirt, grease and other harmful contaminants. The enclosure can be rendered useless if there is not an easy way to access printer tickets or the ability to use a touchscreen.

Thermal Management

It goes without saying, but all industrial and manufacturing areas are different. It is beneficial to work with an enclosure specialist that has a thorough understanding of specifying the correct heating or cooling (or both) for a computer enclosure. The ability to tailor an off-the-shelf enclosure solution with a filtered fan system, air conditioner, vortex cooling unit, heat exchanger, or various sizes of heaters – specific to the environment the system will be installed – is crucial.

Ask the pc enclosure provider if they have a worksheet to fill out in order to find the best thermal management solution.

Additional Accessories

Although it may seem like minor details compared to the points already discussed, accessories like a foldable mousepad, sliding shelf brackets, mobile or bolt down pedestals (painted steel or stainless), cable entry glands, and power supplies can make a big difference. Most enclosure company websites will list out complimentary accessories below the product, so that an end user can select what will work best for the application. Enclosure specialists will work with customers to find the most appropriate accessories for the specified installation.

Never let the word “custom” affect a computer enclosure solution decision. Custom can simply mean that the end user can pick & choose how the industrial computer enclosure will look and function in a working environment. Homework is essential. As always, do not let price steer you in the wrong direction. In the end, durability and longevity should always be the most important factors when deciding on a brand new enclosure solution.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post Customizing Your Industrial Computer Enclosure appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

It’s not just a simple steel box.

Enclosure manufacturers always strive to quickly ship the ideal cabinet to satisfy customers’ requests. The value added through flexibility and modifications can be very appealing if integrators work with a supplier that “can do it all.” When searching online for heavy-duty pc enclosures, integrators and project engineers often investigate outsourcing certain components of a computer workplace to help reduce costs and shorten delivery time. When deploying a new workstation or upgrading an existing enclosure system, designers must determine what type of computer enclosure will perform the best, and plan how components and wiring will come together to complete the project.

Best Practices for Enclosure Customization

1. Cutouts

Prior to an enclosure being populated with functional electronics, holes must be cut out and connections must be mounted. It is common for factories and panel shops to knockout or punch holes for a perceived ‘quicker’ turnaround and cost. This may lead to inaccuracy, especially if the factory or panel shop does not have the correct size of punch or bit. Finding an industrial enclosure company that has the skill and ability to modify an enclosure – before shipping – may eliminate hours of in-house measuring and cutting by hand. Enclosure companies make cutouts and custom modifications daily, and do so with great precision. Popular modifications include cable glands, liquid-tight conduit, and cutouts for knobs and push buttons.

2. Wiring

Wiring electrical outlets, fan systems, thermostats, air conditioners, and heaters can be time consuming for the inexperienced. Large jobs may require a completely turnkey solution with necessary wiring and cabling before deploying the computer enclosure in the field. If an integrator is purchasing a sizeable quantity of enclosures and drop shipping them directly to their customer, the enclosure solution must be ‘plug & play’ and ready to use upon delivery. Ask your enclosure manufacturers if outlets, thermal management and other electrical components are installed at the manufacturing facility before shipping. Properly sourced manpower will greatly reduce the final installation time on big projects.

3. Mounting

Internal components such as brackets, DIN rail, mounting track, unistrut, rack channel, and sub panels are vital for mounting switches and controls. If these items are pre-installed prior to delivery from the manufacturer, it will greatly reduce assembly time for your customer and will help them reach a ‘go live’ date. Again, coordination with the enclosure manufacturer will ensure that everything is installed properly and professionally. Manufacturers perform modification tasks regularly and employ proper installation procedures!

When it comes to industrial pc enclosures, many system integrators, engineers and buyers only consider the purchase price and not the entire package. An enclosure company’s reputation and experience can make all the difference! Over time, a great business relationship can be created between the integrator and manufacturer. Leveraging an enclosure manufacturers’ experience can help eliminate some of the ‘heavy lifting’ on behalf of the integrator and end user/customer. It is always best to research solutions on the market and discuss the project with enclosure experts.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post How to Customize Computer Enclosures appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

Why Proper Thermal Management Helps:

1. Prolongs the Life of Electronics

The average lifetime of a computer is approximately 3-5 years. According to AZ Central (USA Today Network), the lifespan is “gauged by a variety of factors including environmental conditions, usage patterns, and computing needs. Many computers will last far longer than this, and possibly a decade or more if properly maintained.” In general, computers and electronics will not survive – on their own – in a hot, dusty manufacturing facility, if not protected inside of a pc enclosure. Furthermore, electronics – installed within the sealed computer enclosure– may also need thermal management to survive. When electronics are used daily, it is good business to maximize their life cycle. If a printer is overheated, then the media may not print properly and if a computer is overheated, it may shut down completely. By keeping electronics running at optimal temperatures, production will never need to slow down.

2. Reduces Costly Downtime

If electronics are housed in an computer enclosure, which is in a hot industrial environment, high ambient temperatures will slowly damage a computer or other electronic devices. If the inside of an enclosure is cool and humidity is removed, the equipment will not overheat and will continue to operate at a peak performance. If the computer or printer is needed for everyday tasks, then it must be WORKING(!)… plain and simple. According to the article, The Cost of IT Downtime, Michael Copeland writes, “Because there are so many differences in how businesses operate, downtime, at the low end, can be as much as $140,000 per hour, $300,000 per hour on average, and as much as $540,000 per hour at the higher end… Downtime is extremely expensive, and in ways that can make or break the success of your organization.” Time is money!

3. Cuts Down on Replacements

Utilizing the same computer enclosure equipment for many years will offer a strong return on investment for businesses. To put it into perspective, the average computer can cost upwards of $800 to $1,200 (if not more), a replacement thermal transfer printer can run from $400 to thousands of dollars, and even standard LCD monitors are a few hundred dollars. Obviously, to save man-hours and money, a company does not want to constantly be swapping out its essential equipment. Plus, replacement products will take a long time to configure, and oftentimes replacements are in short supply – just adding to downtime and lost profits. The learning curve for brand-new equipment is also costly, as it takes time for employees to learn the latest computer system, printer, or other peripheral.

To determine the correct thermal management for an computer enclosure, it is always useful to perform the proper research, so that the electronics being housed are appropriately protected. Companies will often offer a website form to fill out, so that a buyer can purchase the appropriate equipment.

—–

This formula can also be useful for picking the right thermal management:
(watts x 3.413) + (1.25 x area in square feet x ∆T temperature difference in degrees F) = BTU/hr.

Watts = The total heat load inside the enclosure (the sum of all heat-producing equipment)

Area = Total exposed surface area of the enclosure expressed in square feet

∆T = The difference in temperature between the maximum expected degrees Fahrenheit temperature outside the enclosure and the maximum degrees Fahrenheit temperature allowed inside of the enclosure

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post 3 Reasons to Add Cooling to Computer Enclosures appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

If your company is looking to purchase a heavy-duty enclosure for a computer, monitor, or printer, what questions should be pondered when searching for the right solution? There are various items to consider before placing a purchase order. For example, what is the temperature range of the enclosure’s environment? Will dust and dirt be in abundance? Will a chemical washdown occur daily?

These are just some of the harmful dangers to consider. Computer enclosure protection is a must when it comes to installing electronics in dirty, dusty, and wet locations.

Here are various questions/situations to consider:

1. What NEMA rating is required?
   Will your enclosure be in direct contact with splashing water or oil? Will a large amount of dirt and dust be blowing around the enclosure? Will you ever need to wash the enclosure down with a hose? The NEMA Rating should be one of the first things to consider. A NEMA 12 enclosure will protect against dust, dirt, and splashing fluids. A NEMA 4 enclosure will protect against dust, dirt, hose directed water, and corrosive materials. A NEMA 4X enclosure will protect against dust, dirt, hose directed fluids, and corrosive materials.

2. What will be mounted inside of the enclosure?
   If installing a computer, monitor, and printer, will the computer enclosure be able to fit all three, and still have room for cables and other essential accessories? Will the enclosure be used to protect rack mountable servers? Before looking at enclosures online or in a catalog, it is always pertinent to have the make/model of your PC, monitor, servers, or printer on hand. Obviously, if the electronics simply do not fit, then the enclosure is impractical. Monitor sizes and PC sizes are always changing, so an enclosure that worked at a warehouse five years ago may not work properly now. It is always best to double check the sizes of all electronics that you will be installing inside of the computer enclosure.
3. Where will the enclosure be installed?
   Will the enclosure be installed on a wall, bolted to the floor, or have castors to enable it to roll around a factory floor? Most castors have a locking mechanism, which will make the enclosure both mobile and stationary for added versatility. If the enclosure is a desktop enclosure, then it can simply be situated or bolted to a table or desk or even under a desk. The placement of the computer enclosure is important to consider, because it might live in the same space for many years.
4. What add-on enclosure accessories are necessary?
   Will a 10-foot power supply or a 6-outlet surge protector be needed? Does the enclosure require lockable doors to keep everything secure? Will the enclosure benefit from having a window in the door, or will a solid door be advantageous? If the enclosure is NEMA 4 or NEMA 4X, will it need a waterproof, dust-free/dirt-free cable entry gland, in order to run cables into the enclosure? Will a keyboard tray or dust-tight keyboard drawer be an essential item? Will the enclosure need a hinged printer door? Do you need a waterproof keyboard or mouse? There are many accessories that will improve the overall effectiveness of an computer enclosure.
5. Is thermal management needed?
   If the enclosure is in an indoor environment, will a filtered fan system be necessary for air circulation or an air conditioner to protect against the heat and humidity? If stored outdoors, will winter temperatures require a heater and summer temperatures require an air conditioner? Thermal management should be discussed before the enclosure is installed in the field, because an enclosed peripheral may overheat under certain circumstances and, therefore, cease to work.

When researching a new computer nclosure for your company, it is best to make a comprehensive checklist and guarantee that everything is well-thought-out before deciding on the solution. Doing preliminary homework will cause less stress down the road. Also, make sure that the enclosure will be shipped completely assembled and ready to use upon arrival. This will save time and money!

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post Questions to Ask When Searching for a Computer Enclosure appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

Extreme temperature fluctuations, dust, dirt, grease and splashing fluids are threatening for expensive electronics. Prior to implementing electronics on the plant floor, the system designer has the option of specifying an industrially hardened computer or an aptly sealed industrial computer enclosure to be used with a desktop computer. Either solution can perform splendidly, but, over time, the choice between the two will be an investment decision that will balance lifetime costs, operational stability, and versatility.

In general, the initial purchase price of an industrial computer will be much higher than the cost of a less expensive general-purpose industrial computer enclosure. It is important to understand the differences between the two solutions.

After either system is deployed into production, the first consideration comes into play during a hardware failure. Although the industrial-grade computer should provide significant longevity than a general-purpose PC, it is an electronic device and, over time, electronics will fail.

Industrial PCs can often be difficult to repair. The computer’s sealed design may warrant a service technician to provide repair work or worst-case scenario, require the unit to be sent back to the manufacturer for repair. Regardless, the end user will face production downtime, which is always costly. In addition, industrial computers are usually proprietary and difficult to upgrade. However, without an industrial computer enclosure, the computer has no protection against tampering with controls or misuse.

Protecting a computer in a NEMA-rated industrial computer enclosure can offer more flexibility. In the event of a computer failure, it will be far less expensive to replace a general-purpose computer vs. an industrial computer, and of course general purpose computers are available either in company inventory or a ‘day away’ from today’s electronic marketplace.

If the technology requires a change two to three years after the system has been implemented, utilizing a industrial computer enclosure will provide greater versatility. A PC enclosure allows the system integrator to easily swap out an older computer with a brand-new computer. A computer enclosure is lockable and will provide the peace of mind that the system is secured.

Many companies do not calculate how much a computer and related hardware will cost in terms of downtime and production loss. The proper computer enclosure will help extend the lifetime of electronics and reduce downtime, while offering a cost-effective alternative to industrial computers.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post Industrial Computer Enclosures vs. Industrial Computers appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

What is the secret to ensure uptime? It is simple – protect all electronics with a high quality enclosure system.

When one relies on computers, printers, monitors, keyboards, and other peripherals to drive the manufacturing process, a proper shield – from harmful elements – is critical. How many times have unprotected electronics failed because of damaging dust, dirt, lint, grease, corrosives, or water in the air? A manufacturer that utilizes a quality NEMA rated computer enclosure will have a solid output, a higher ROI, and will help maximize the lifetime of electronics.

3 Problems a Computer Enclosure will Eliminate

1. Costly Downtime
   A company will experience downtime if a computer system fails because of exposure to dust, grease, moisture, or other harmful contaminants. Consider the amount of time necessary for procurement, installation and start-up to replace a system during a failure. Many control panels and computer systems are custom and may not be readily available, thus adding even more downtime. Account for the needs of all parties involved – from IT and engineering, to maintenance and operators who work directly with the computer system. Above all, downtime costs money. Every minute, hour, or day that goes by without a resolution will become more problematic and expensive!
2. Reduced Lifetime of Electronics
   The temperature range in which a PC should operate is typically disclosed in the product specification booklet. The document should be reviewed carefully with engineering. Overexposure to high heat or low temperatures can damage essential components of a computer, monitor, or printer. In addition, warranties will likely be voided if the electronics are not stored/operated within the recommended temperature range.
3. Security Gap
   Choose an enclosure workstation that incorporates heavy-duty doors with locks, which require a unique key. Locks will prevent theft and system operators from changing settings, which are carefully established by the IT department. In addition, lockable doors will prevent employees from storing inappropriate material inside of the enclosure system. It goes without saying – liquids (coffee!) never mix well with pricey electronics!

So, how much money is lost when a machine is down?

No company situation is the same, but DOWNTIME WILL COST MONEY!  Consider all of the options available for computer enclosures. Weigh possibilities that include versatility, dependability, and overall value for your capital equipment dollars. The upfront cost of implementing a high quality industrial pc enclosure may be substantial, but the old adage applies. “You get what you pay for.” Low quality solutions which are purchased based on price alone rarely offer any real protection at all. Once the correct enclosure is chosen, your company will have peace of mind knowing the investment will work in an unforgiving environment and during mission critical situations.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post Issues a Computer Enclosure Can Eliminate appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

How can industrial computer enclosures help a manufacturing plant? Like modern medicine, the idea of proactively taking a role in the “health” of electrical equipment will provide great value to a company. If an illness is approaching, the human body has the ability to provide early warning signs. The same can be said about electronics. While the human body has the ability to cure itself of certain illnesses, if a defect appears on the plant floor with machinery, it is just a matter of time before the electronics fail. Unfortunately, electronics do not have the ability to “heal” themselves. 

The majority of workers will not exert much concern for maintenance until the process is no longer working as it should. Paying little attention to corrective maintenance, on a regular schedule, will cause electronics housed in industrial computer enclosures to not perform as well as they did upon the original installation. According to the Library at AutomationDirect.com website, “Heat inside an enclosure can decrease the life expectancy of controlling units such as your PLC, HMI, AC drives and other items. Excessive heat can cause nuisance faults from your electrical and electronic components… Heat will also change the expected performance of circuit breakers and fuses, which can cause whole systems to shut down unexpectedly.” Assembling a small team of seasoned electricians and general mechanics is a step in the right direction in realizing the maximum lifetime of critical electronics.

2 Simple Steps to Maximize Lifetime of Electronics

Filter Maintenance

Most industrial computer enclosures utilize at least a fan system or, for warmer environments, an air conditioner. Both cooling systems have a filtering system in place to block particulate matter in the air and prevent dust and dirt from entering the interior of the enclosure. The type of manufacturing environment will dictate how often the filter media needs to be thoroughly cleaned or completely replaced. A filter that has been untouched will eventually impact the functionally of the cooling device, because the system will need to work double (or even triple) as it normally would if clean air were flowing through the schematic. This could lead to the cooling arrangement overcompensating and causing serious failures!

Energy.gov stresses that maintenance is vital, “Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases… Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system’s efficiency significantly. With normal airflow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%… Clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter or filters every month or two during the cooling season. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, [or] is subjected to dusty conditions.” Property thermal management is beyond crucial to the longevity of electronics within a sealed, industrial computer enclosure.

Keep Industrial Computer Enclosure Doors Closed

As is often the case at many manufacturing plants and factories, people accessing equipment inside of a sealed enclosure tend to get lackadaisical. Carelessness leads to split panels not being properly tightened around important wires and cables entering the industrial computer enclosure or drawers and doors sloppily left open. A lack of willingness to do simple tasks can lead to dust, grease and water finding its way into the enclosure, which is exactly what you want to keep out! One way to prevent these occurrences from happening is to keep the industrial computer enclosures locked at all times. If accessing a printer on a regular basis, check with the enclosure manufacturer about options for a hinged printer door that will minimize the amount of dirt from entering the cabinet.

Keeping a regular maintenance schedule is the best practice for all parties involved in the manufacturing process. It is important to set a schedule and carry through with the plan. Do not let preventative maintenance in your plant become just another “program of the month” that people will forget over time.

Change requires dedication, but will lead to success and a maximum return on the overall industrial computer enclosure investment.

The post Computer Enclosures & Preventative Maintenance appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

Mt. Pleasant, PA (April 26, 2017) – For over three decades, ITSENCLOSURES (Integration Technology Systems) has been engineering and fabricating the most heavy-duty computer enclosures on the market. ITSENCLOSURES continues to add to the popular TITAN family with the introduction of  the Hammerhead – the new dual monitor NEMA 12 freestanding computer enclosure. The ‘Hammerhead’ dual monitor enclosure protects against dust, dirt, grease, and splashing fluids.

With the ability to store two 27” widescreen monitors side by side, the TITAN Hammerhead’s (IS615427-12) enclosure body is constructed out of 14-gauge welded steel and 12-gauge door thickness, and stands 61” high x 54” wide (bottom portion is 29.5” wide) x 27” deep. The dual monitor enclosure finish is a polyester powder paint available in blue, gray, or any custom RAL color.

The 49” wide x 13.45” high viewing window is hinged at the bottom and easily folds down to accept two (up to 27-inch) 16×9 widescreen monitors in landscape orientation. Adjustable, VESA mounts are included for easy installation. The displays can also be placed on the flat surface – below the mount – utilizing OEM stands. A removable rear plate (15” high x 29.5” wide) makes it easy to quickly install the suitable monitors. Customers have a choice between a tempered safety glass or a polycarbonate viewing window.

The dual monitor enclosure doors feature lift and turn style key lockable latches and dual durometer EPDM gasket for additional protection against a harsh environment. The lower rear door measures 30.65” high and is ideal for accessing the back of electronics stored in the enclosure. The bottom half of the TITAN provides plenty of space to house a computer, printer, UPS, power supply, and additional important electronics. An adjustable, vented shelf, attached to uni-strut, is also included for placement of electronics.

“ITSENCLOSURES is excited to, once again, introduce another product to the TITAN family of industrial computer enclosures,” said JT Spangler, Owner & President of ITSENCLOSURES. “Customer feedback warranted the Hammerhead product, as manufacturers and system integrators sought a cabinet with the ability to house two monitors within one enclosure. The Hammerhead creates a revolutionary workspace for factory and industrial settings. We are excited to see this product on manufacturing floors across the globe. Every product sold is designed and manufactured with a commitment to quality and satisfaction.”

A sloped work surface, with raised ledge, provides a useful area for important documents, file folders, and writing utensils. Beneath the work surface is a retractable keyboard/mouse drawer. The drawer is lockable and the front folds down to provide an ergonomic wrist rest. When completely extended, the drawer measures 22.7″ wide x 9″ deep x 3.5″ high.

Swivel casters are a standard feature. When the computer enclosure is in its desired location, the front casters lock into place with a foot brake. For areas that require a stationary workstation, bolt down legs can be installed on the enclosure.

Various thermal management options are available for the TITAN Hammerhead, including a filtered fan system, air conditioners (ranging in size from 2,000 – 6,000 BTU), heat exchanger, and vortex cooling unit. If additional airflow is required between the two halves of the Hammerhead, a recirculating fan can be installed in a pre-cut hole below the monitors.

Customize the NEMA 12 enclosure with numerous accessories, including sliding shelf brackets for the vented shelf, waterproof USB connectors for scanning devices, hinged printer door for a barcode printer, 19” wide adjustable rack mount rails, 6 outlet surge protector, 10-foot power cord, and industrial keyboards or hula points.

Always proudly ‘Made in the USA,’ ITSENCLOSURES ships every product completely assembled and ready to use upon delivery at the plant or manufacturing facility!

For more information on ITSENCLOSURES and their wide array of innovative products, please email ITSENCLOSURES(info@itsenclosures.com) or call 1.800.423.9911 to speak to a salesperson.

Visit the TITAN HAMMERHEAD product page: Click Here

The post ITSENCLOSURES Introduces Dual Monitor Computer Enclosure appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

As desktop 3D printers become commonplace, companies are realizing that simply purchasing the latest 3D printer is only half the battle. In order to achieve the best 3D product, many factors during the process must be met. 3D printers are an innovative and exciting product to use, but there are some drawbacks to using a 3D printer. Users complain about the fumes that the plastic emits, the heat that the printer generates, and the fact that it produces a loud noise when printing an object. Environmentally sealed industrial printer enclosures can help alleviate issues that arise when using a 3D printer.

Three 3D Printer Negatives

1. Sound

3D printers require a substantial amount of time to create a coffee mug or small plastic horse, and can be louder than the average office copier/printer. Depending on the location of the 3D printer, it may become an annoyance to employees. No one wants to sit and listen to a loud printer for hours at a time. Sealed industrial enclosures can help dampen the sound during the printing process. Most companies do not have the luxury of a room that is primarily used for a printer. By enclosing the printer inside of a printer enclosure, the sound can be minimized and employees can concentrate on important tasks.  

2. Heat

Thermal management is always important when discussing printer enclosures. Michael Hackney, 3D Printing Blog writer, discusses how heating and cooling are both vital considerations to 3D printing, “A heated build surface… is an optional component that can help minimize part warping and improving filament adherence to the build surface.” He continues with the importance of cooling, “Two different types of fans are useful. The first is to cool the barrel, the tube above the heated nozzle that the filament passes through, and the second is to cool parts as they print to minimize distortion and warping. Proper use of these fans is dependent on the print material and the geometry of the part.”

When deciding on the correct heating and cooling system, the overall temperature of the room and how often the printer will be in use must be considered. For an accurate printer enclosure thermal management recommendation, download a cooling requirement worksheet.

3. Fumes/Air Emissions

It is best to store the 3D printer in a room with excellent ventilation, but if that is not a viable option, an industrial printer enclosure can help solve the problem. The fumes given off by the plastics can be very overwhelming. By enclosing the 3D printer, the fumes can be exhausted out of the room via building ducts.

Lyndsey Gilpin, from Tech Republic, explains that the air can be unhealthy, “The emissions from desktop 3D printers are similar to burning a cigarette or cooking on a gas or electric stove… While heating the plastic and printing small figures, the machines using PLA filament emitted 20 billion ultrafine particles per minute, and the ABS emitted up to 200 billion particles per minute. These particles can settle in the lungs or the bloodstream and pose health risk, especially for those with asthma.”

Sam Shead, also from Tech Republic reiterates how 3D printers cause an abundance of harmful particles, “The significant number of particles emitted as a result of 3D printing can be hazardous to humans when they are inhaled… When ultrafine particles (UFPs) are inhaled, they can end up in the lungs and even the brain.” A properly sealed enclosure can greatly cut down on the fumes and emissions produced by the printer.

With rugged, industrial printer enclosures, a company can help minimize all three of these concerns. Heidi Milkert, from 3dprint.com, explains, “Enclosures are a fairly important option, especially if you want to avoid some of the major issues commonly seen within the print process. With that said, even some of the better, higher quality machines out there lack an enclosure, making me wonder just how much better they could be if an enclosure would have be added.” Milkert adds, “[Enclosures] reduce or eliminate problems such as warping, curling, cracking, noise, heat loss, and fume emission.”

The post 3 Reasons to Use Industrial Enclosures with Desktop 3D Printers appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.