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

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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

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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

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COMPANY SYNOPSIS:
In business since 1902, Senior Flexonics Pathway (SFP) has two locations in the United States: New Braunfels, Texas and Lewiston, Maine. According to SFPathway.com, the company has been a pioneer in delivering solutions to movements in high pressure and temperature process equipment. Senior Flexonics provides custom designed expansion joints, dampers, and HVAC for piping and ducting applications.

HOW DID THEY FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
When researching stand-up enclosures for their plant, Senior Flexonics Pathway found ITSENCLOSURES on the Internet. While at ITSENCLOSURES.com, SFP reached out to the ITS sales department via the online chat tool. Originally, SFP was interested in a unit that could house a touchscreen monitor. After receiving a follow-up email from ITSENCLOSURES, Patrick Miller, the IT Manager, requested pricing on a stand-up enclosure and decided against deploying a touchscreen.

PROJECT:
Senior Flexonics Pathway was in search of a mobile inventory computer enclosure for its workers. SFP wanted to save employees from walking to different parts of the plant to perform tasks. According to Patrick Miller, IT Manager at Senior Flexonics Pathway, SFP wanted to provide employees with the equipment to take inventory, print, labels and scan barcodes at the point of where the work is actually being done, on the manufacturing floor.

CHALLENGES:
Senior Flexonics sought an all-in-one solution that would allow all of their complex systems to work together in one enclosure. SFP’s manufacturing environment is quite harsh, and required a heavy duty NEMA 12 enclosure solution.

SOLUTION:
Senior Flexonics Pathway purchased a number of IceStation TITAN (IS603027-12) computer enclosure workstations. The freestanding enclosure solution consisted of 24” extension sliding shelf brackets and a hinged printer door. The added accessories were installed for the barcode printers that are used throughout the workday. The hinged printer door makes it simple to retrieve labels and the sliding shelf brackets create an efficient way to change the media and load additional labels. In order to regulate the temperature inside of the enclosure, a 200 CFM filtered fan system, with thermostat, was installed.

INSTALLATION DATE:
Senior Flexonics purchased the NEMA 12 computer enclosures in the spring of 2015 to be installed in the New Braunfels, TX and Lewiston, ME locations. The units are deployed in key areas of the production floor, including the Metal Bellows manufacturing area, Parts Distribution, and Burn Table work centers.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
Mr. Miller summed up the success of the project, “The products that Senior Flexonics Pathway makes [are] in some of the harshest environments in the world. IceStation computer enclosures were a perfect fit for our company! ITSENCLOSURES products are rugged and well designed. [The TITANS] have given our shop employees the ability to access internal system applications and to speed up the processing of part issues.” He continued, “The flexibility has been a definite plus, as the IceStation [units] have been really easy to adapt to our specific needs. We have a wireless computer inside of the unit, along with a wireless barcode printer. Our employees are able to do part issues, print barcodes labels, check drawings, review hotlists, welding procedures, and to clock in and out of jobs.”

“We’ve tested other stand-alone units, and IceStation has been an exceptional addition to our facility!”

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION:

• •   IceStation TITAN Family

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

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COMPANY SYNOPSIS:
Who doesn’t love a creamy, delicious DQ Blizzard Treat? According to DairyQueen.com, the first Dairy Queen opened in Joliet, Illinois in 1940. Today, “International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ) develops, licenses and services a system of more than 6,800 locations in the United States, Canada and more than 25 other countries. The Dairy Queen system offers a variety of treats and products including burgers, chicken strips, artisan sandwiches and the famous DQ soft-serve.”

HOW DID DAIRY QUEEN FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
Judy Lynn-Craig, the President and Owner of Lynn Dairy Queens, Inc. and Dairy Queen of S.W. Pennsylvania (PA), Inc., and Joe Cooper, Creative Marketing Director for Lynn Dairy Queens, Inc., found the ITSENCLOSURES website while searching for outdoor digital menu boards on Google. The team was interested in outdoor digital marketing for DQ locations owned by Lynn Dairy Queens, Inc. Locations include Brownsville, Centerville, Connellsville, Uniontown, and Mount Pleasant. The ‘Lynn Dairy Queens’ collective has been in operation for over 65 years.

PROJECT:
Judy and Joe wished to install a pre-sell outdoor digital signage board at a drive-thru to test the impact to sales and product mix in comparison to a static pre-sell board, which the locations have had in place for many years.

“We are looking at possibly installing either a digital pre-sell board or a full outdoor digital signage solution. Five stores have breakfast, so it’s getting hard to fit everything on the boards without taking up the parking lot,” said Joe.  In addition, they also wanted the ability to change marketing messages and promotions on outdoor screens, especially the pre-sell board. The Mount Pleasant, PA location would be the first DQ restaurant in Southwestern PA with an all-weather, digital board. The main drive-thru menu board was also considered.

CHALLENGES:
Lynn Dairy Queens would have to remove the existing static signage and fresh heavy-duty bolts would need to be installed in the concrete. The customer also desired that the outdoor digital signage be bright enough to be seen in direct sunlight throughout the day. Furthermore, the installation of a one screen or two screen solution or both needed to be reviewed and discussed during the early stages.

SOLUTION:
After much consideration and a few in-person meet & greets to see what ITSENCLOSURES had to offer, Lynn Dairy Queens chose the VS-6 1×1 digital pre-sell board to replace their pre-existing static promotional sign. The robust solution includes a Samsung 55-inch (OH55F), 2,500 nit high-bright LCD monitor (in portrait orientation) encased in a mount/pole configuration with a rear all-weather enclosure for a media player and other necessary electronics. The signage encasement is marine grade aluminum with a polyester powder paint finish.

Promotions and LTOs (limited time offers) can be altered and updated throughout the day and/or scheduled for different dayparts. Joe created the digital content based off of promotional content provided by Dairy Queen.

Originally, the main menu was intended to be digital, but after further review, it was decided that the restaurant had far too many menu items to fit on two screens and the 2^nd phase of the project was put on the back burner.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
Judy Lynn-Craig was impressed with the quality of the digital screen and was pleased with the installation, stating, “You were very cooperative in making this happen. We will continue to work with [the digital signage] to see how we can use it to boost our sales. Also, we will gather data and site photos to share with the team at American Dairy Queen, who is investigating a full outdoor digital signage solution to possibly offer to DQ restaurants across the U.S. system.”

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION:

• Outdoor Digital Signage

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

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COMPANY SYNOPSIS:
Puratos is an international company, which has been in business for almost 100 years, dating back to its original founding in Brussels, Belgium. The American corporate headquarters are in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, with additional locations in New Jersey, Oregon, Wisconsin, California, Florida, and Washington. Specializing in desserts and the like, Puratos is a premium supplier of products that compliment baking, pastry, and chocolate products. According to the Puratos website, “Products and services are available in more than 100 countries around the world, and in many cases actually produced there by our subsidiaries. Clients are artisans, industry, retailers and food service.”

HOW DID PURATOS FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
In January of 2014, Puratos was in the initial stages of planning a merger of two of its plants and required heavy-duty computer enclosures to house vital electronics. After searching online for pc and printer enclosures, Puratos found ITSENCLOSURES and reached out for initial enclosure options and ballpark pricing. After engaging with Puratos, ITSENCLOSURES made the decision to travel to New Jersey to evaluate the project in person.  

PROJECT:
The Puratos location in Pennsauken, New Jersey was in the process of merging two manufacturing plants and were determined to upgrade their enclosure equipment. They desired a freestanding enclosure to house a barcode printer, computer, keyboard, scanner, mouse, and a wide screen monitor. Puratos was also interested in ITSENCLOSURES’ line of flat panel monitor enclosures, which can be bolted to a wall, pedestal, or arm.

CHALLENGES:
ITSENCLOSURES toured the Puratos plant in February of 2014 to assess the challenges and assist with the development of a viable solution. Part of the plan required computer enclosures to protect against dust and dirt, while another plan required stainless steel to withstand a wash-down environment. One of the biggest challenges: Puratos is a food production company and must maintain the utmost cleanliness throughout the factory.

SOLUTION:
After visiting the plant, ITSENCLOSURES made the recommendation to deploy the NEMA 12 IceStation TITAN freestanding enclosure in areas that did not require a heavy washdown. Each Puratos enclosure houses a barcode printer, computer, and a wide screen format monitor. ITSENCLOSURES also provided a side mounted enclosure to house a hand-held barcode scanner, installed on the right side of the cabinet. An industrial, heavy-duty keyboard/hula point combo mounts to the sloped work surface.

The second solution involved a customized stainless steel operator interface enclosure, which mounts to existing swing arms already installed throughout the plant. ITSENCLOSURES provided custom, flat topped IO28268-4X monitor enclosures with touchscreen cutouts. The touchscreen cutout was factory installed in the IO28 door at ITSENCLOSURES prior to shipping. Previously, Puratos purchased a competitor’s NEMA 4X enclosure that required an ‘in the field’ modification to install the panel mount touchscreen. ITSENCLOSURES’ solution was, therefore, more efficient and saved Puratos money in the long run.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
The expansion project took place for most of 2014 and continued into 2015-2016. A second phase of the project (Spring of 2015) included stainless steel IO292813-4X flat panel monitor enclosures (accommodating up to a 25” widescreen monitor), which mount directly to the wall.

JT Spangler, CEO and Owner of ITSENCLOSURES, was pleased with the outcome of the project, “I enjoy the opportunity to visit a plant for a firsthand look at the operation and discuss a solution for specific needs. Puratos is an outstanding company to work with and we enjoyed watching everything come together. This project adds another successful installation to the ITSENCLOSURES portfolio!”

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION:

•   IceStation TITAN Family
•   Monitor Enclosures

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

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SCHOOL SYNOPSIS:
Established in 1956, The Chartiers Valley School District, made up of two boroughs and two townships, is located southwest of Pittsburgh in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. The western Pennsylvania school district has approximately 3,400 students and over 250 teachers. The district includes a high school, middle school, intermediate school, and elementary school.

HOW DID CHARTIERS VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
A social studies teacher/department head at the high school discovered ITSENCLOSURES by performing a Google search for an outdoor, digital touchscreen kiosk. The teacher oversaw a project to organize and install a Vietnam War Memorial for former students who died in battle. The teacher downloaded the ViewStation brochure and was contacted directly by ITSENCLOSURES to learn more information regarding the outdoor digital kiosk application.

PROJECT:
Eight high school students were given a class project to create a Vietnam War memorial kiosk for Chartiers Valley students that lost their lives in the line of duty. In addition to a Vietnam War plaque displayed next to World War II and Korean War plaques, the students wished to deploy a digital sign to display pictures and biographies of war heroes. The students wanted the digital signage kiosk to be touchscreen enabled for visitors to easily scroll through pictures of the seven fallen soldiers and read more about their biographies. Students raised funds and with the help of the school district, created a budget to fund the project.

CHALLENGES:
A few issues arose during the planning phase, including the fact that Chartiers Valley was concerned with students vandalizing or sitting on the kiosk glass and cracking the touchscreen. The kiosk would also reside near to the football field and ran the risk of becoming damaged during sporting events/gym class. Weather conditions in the Pittsburgh area were also an area of concern, because of cold, harsh winters and hot, sunny summers. For this reason, thermal management was discussed at length, including the customer filling out a thermal management worksheet for a recommendation. The LCD enclosure was required to be operational 365 days a year.

SOLUTION:
After discussing a few options with ITSENCLOSURES, Chartiers Valley S.D. chose a pulpit style, wayfinding outdoor kiosk with projected capacitive touch foil featuring an NEC 46” high bright monitor, and a thermal management system to guarantee operation in direct sunlight. The touch screen glass is constructed out of heavy-duty, laminated safety glass to combat vandalism or destruction of property. The kiosk is installed next to a brick wall near various war memorial plaques. With the digital signage, students, teachers, and the local community have a permanent memorial to remember those that were lost. It serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifice of 7 hometown heroes.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
To defray some of the costs associated with the digital signage solution, ITSENCLOSURES made a generous donation to the school district. The Vietnam War memorial digital signage kiosk and plaque were dedicated on the campus of the school on May 27, 2016 – the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. The memorial serves to preserve the legacy of the seven men who died serving the United States during the war in Vietnam.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Custom Kiosk Solutions
• WTAE-TV, Channel 4 Story — Click Here
• Tribune Review — Click Here

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

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COMPANY SYNOPSIS:
Engineered Software Products (ESP) began operation over 29 years ago as a traditional control systems integrator providing PLC, HMI, and plant floor information management solutions. Ten years ago, ESP expanded its capabilities and added engineered power solutions to its provisions, referred to as a turnkey electrical package, providing: Portable Prefabricated Electrical Building (eHouse), Electrical Equipment – Power Distribution and Motor Control, Automation System – PLC, HMI, Data Management, Electrical Engineering Services – Electrical Design and Automation Programming

ESP’s directive, as a technology partner, has been to develop automation strategies, for client’s plants, which are current with today’s ever-changing technology. The primary goal for each plant is to provide an expandable open architecture control system, which is cost effective and consistent with corporate standards. To achieve this goal, ESP has been instrumental in assisting its clients in establishing key standards, as they relate to the PLC/HMI automation and power distribution/motor control systems. Throughout the years, ESP has provided control systems to a variety of industries, including Aggregates, Cement, Chemical, Food & Beverage, Pulp & Paper, Traffic Control, Wastewater, and Wood Pellets.

HOW DID ESP FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
Engineered Software Products (ESP) scoured the Internet in search of rugged, industrial, computer and printer enclosures and discovered ITSENCLOSURES. After researching and reviewing the ITSENCLOSURES website, ESP located the IceStation product line, which was exactly what they were looking for in an computer and printer enclosure product. 

PRINTER ENCLOSURE PROJECT:
ESP provides turnkey electrical buildings and elevated control towers. They required an enclosure to fit under a countertop in control rooms. A computer and printer enclosure was needed to protect PC and printer equipment and be deployed by Greenfield plants mostly in the aggregate, mining and cement industries.

CHALLENGES:
ESP desired a computer and printer enclosure which could protect against extremely dusty, dirty environments, and provide security and stability against vibrations from plant equipment.

PRINTER ENCLOSURE SOLUTION:
ESP chose the NEMA 12 IceStation IS362626 computer and printer enclosure, which includes 2 adjustable, vented shelves, lockable front and rear doors, industrial-grade swivel castors, and a tool-free rear split panel. These benefits were the ultimate reason why ESP decided to utilize the IS362626-12 computer and printer enclosure. According to Jeff Patenaude, Principal at Engineered Software Products Inc., the IS36-12 is a good fit, because it is “dustproof, has rubber bushings on its shelves to protect against vibration, has a convenient gland plate for easy cable entry, and [industrial] castors for ease of use.”

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
ESP continues to deploy many of the IS362626-12 computer and printer enclosures at various plants and locations across the United States. Jeff Patenaude is very pleased with the staff at ITSENCLOSURES and with the heavy-duty products, “ITSENCLOSURES has been a reliable supplier that delivers a quality product on time, every time.”

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION

• IS362626-12 Printer 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

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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

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KENNYWOOD PARK SYNOPSIS:
With a mix of classic and modern rides, Kennywood Park, located in West Mifflin – a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – is a theme park known for its thrill-seeking roller coasters (The Racer, Jack Rabbit, Thunderbolt, Phantom’s Revenge, The Steel Curtain). According to the Kennywood website , the park has been around for over a century, “Founded in 1898 as a small trolley park near Pittsburgh, Kennywood was begun by the Monongahela Street Railway Company, which was controlled by Andrew Mellon… Kennywood is one of the oldest and most beloved amusement parks in America.” Kennywood was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

HOW DID KENNYWOOD FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
After reviewing enclosure competitors, Kennywood located ITSENCLOSURES during an online Google search and realized the close proximity between the two companies, so an in-person meeting would be easy to achieve.

PROJECT:
Kennywood Park sought a digital signage solution, which could withstand humid Summer days and maintain the LCDs and media players within appropriate operating temperatures. Kennywood desired to install environmentally sealed enclosures at popular rides and attractions, so that visitors – standing in line – were entertained while they waited to enter the ride. In addition, Kennywood required a simpler solution for areas where LCDs could be installed under a roof – well protected from rain and sun, but provide basic vandal resistant protection. The IT team at Kennywood Park turned to ITSENCLOSURES to learn more about ViewStation Universal LCD enclosures, which are ideal for outdoor environments.

CHALLENGES:
The main challenge would be to protect LCDs from warm, humid Pennsylvania weather, as well as rain and hail. The monitors are placed in storage during fall and winter months. A secondary challenge was to protect the monitors from vandalism and theft. The park wished to install the enclosures on tall poles or walls to keep customers from touching or damaging them and for a larger viewing range for riders in line.

SOLUTION:
Kennywood installed several 42” and 50” ViewStation Universal LCD enclosures throughout the theme park. The ViewStation Universal enclosures utilize an internal fan system to keep the electronics – housed inside of the enclosure – running at optimum temperatures. The enclosures feature anti-reflective glass windows and tamper resistant locks. For areas not exposed to harsh weather, Kennywood installed CoverStation LCD protective covers, which provide basic protection to the front of the LCD. The CoverStations were installed in well-protected areas that are not exposed to any direct weather. In general, CoverStations work in conjunction with standard LCD mounting brackets and clip onto the four corners of the display.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
The robust digital signage is installed near the historic Thunderbolt roller coaster and in other parts of the park, like the popular roller coaster: Phantom’s Revenge, the haunted house: Ghostwood Estate, and the indoor roller coaster: Exterminator. To help reduce the perceived wait times for popular rides, the LCD monitors display valuable information about the park, fun facts, and popular music videos.

“Kennywood was looking to find the best solution for our outdoor digital signage protection needs. We looked at many different options but found the best solution right in our backyard. The ViewStation products have exceeded our expectations, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with ITSENCLOSURES in the future.” Joel Brennan – Kennywood Park, Electric, Audio, Video & Effects

Kennywood’s sister park, Idlewild, located in Ligonier, PA, also purchased a number of ViewStation Universal enclosures to install at popular rides and concession stands. According to their website, Idlewild has been named the “Best Kids’ Park” by Amusement Today and “Best Park for Families” by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION:

• Universal LCD Enclosures
• LCD Protective Covers
• ViewStation Products

HAVE QUESTIONS?
Let us know how we can best assist you!
Contact an ‘ITSENCLOSURES expert’ at 1-800-423-9911 -OR- email: info@itsenclosures.com

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