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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The latest IceStation industrial computer enclosure is the IO352813-4X stainless-steel monitor/computer enclosure, which was designed specifically for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries in mind. NEMA 4X enclosures will defend against dust, dirt, hose directed fluids, corrosive materials, and most weather conditions.f

ITSENCLOSURES IO series enclosures are designed for use with flat panel monitors and thin client/small form computers. The computer enclosures are the perfect solution for limited space environments.

The NEMA 4X IO35 computer enclosure is formed and fully welded with type 304 stainless-steel and a vertical #3F finish. This enclosure features a built-in keyboard drawer to store a desktop or industrial keyboard and mouse. The roll-out keyboard tray – with two quarter turn compression latches – measures 3″ High by 22.62″ Wide x 9.88″ Deep.

The IO35-4X measures 35” High by 28” Wide by 12” Deep with a 25.5” diagonal window measuring 13.75” High by 21.5” Wide. ITSENCLOSURES offers tempered safety glass or polycarbonate window options for the front door. The stainless-steel door panel includes concealed hinges and two quarter turn screwdriver style latches (key locking latches are also available). A monitor sized up to 25-inches can be installed to the internal VESA mount, which is part of the vertical support bracket. The bracket is used to tip out and install the PC/monitor. The chassis includes a 100-cfm re-circulating fan.

“The IO35 is the modern brain-child of our sales team and engineering team with very valuable customer influence. I love that our employees work together to find workable solutions which resonate with our customers. This new stainless-steel IceStation product incorporates pieces of our best-selling products and I am quite pleased with the functionality of the enclosure,” stated JT Spangler, Owner of ITSENCLOSURES, “We will continue to develop and manufacture additional heavy-duty units throughout 2020. Our dynamic products continue to innovate and advance beyond our wildest expectations and we feel that solid growth is in our near future.”

For installation, the heavy-duty IO35-4X computer enclosure can be affixed to a wall with a mount, a stainless-steel bolt down pedestal, or a stainless-steel mobile pedestal with swivel castors, which can be locked into place. A Roxtec sealed cable entry gland can be installed – in various spots on the enclosure – for the ingress and egress of power cords, wires, and cables. ITSENCLOSURES also offers surge protectors, industrial keyboards, and thermal management options, like stainless-steel vortex heat exchangers for cooling or an electric thermal heater for refrigerated environments.

ITSENCLOSURES has two additional stainless-steel monitor/computer enclosures; the IO28-4X (measuring 28″ High x 26″ Wide x 8″ Deep) for a 22” monitor and the IO29-4X (measuring 29″ High x 28″ Wide x 12″ Deep) for a 25” monitor.

“Computers, printers, monitors, and other essential electronics are protected in our IceStation NEMA rated products. As we always say, our monitor, printer, and computer enclosures are built-to-last and we stand by that promise,” added Mr. Spangler.

IceStation by ITSENCLOSURES has over 3 decades of experience in successful printer, monitor, keyboard, and computer enclosure deployments and offers a wide variety of ‘built-to-last’ products.

For more information and to watch the product video, visit the IO35-4X product page

——-

About ITSENCLOSURES

ITSENCLOSURES builds the strongest, NEMA rated computer enclosures, which are ideal for all environments where dust, dirt, and exposure to liquids or corrosives are present. The IceStation line of products allow the use of computers, printers, keyboards, and monitors in the harshest locations and will protect a company’s investment and maximize the lifetime of the electronics protected.

To learn more about ITSENCLOSURES, contact the Sales Department: 1-800-423-9911 –or– 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:
According to the company’s website, “FerraStone’s expertise, since 1960, has been hand casting fine statuary. Custom sculptured lines range from religious statuary to beer tap handles. Each item is designed and manufactured under the expert direction of highly skilled artists and sculptors. Skilled craftsmen hand cast and hand finish each piece of statuary.” FerraStone is located in Newport, Kentucky.

HOW DID FERRASTONE FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
Over 2 decades(!) ago, FerraStone discovered ITSENCLOSURES’ large line of NEMA rated computer enclosures by performing a search for dust-proof industrial enclosures. The president of FerraStone reached out to obtain pricing on a NEMA 12 tower computer enclosure and a NEMA 12 stand-up computer enclosure.

PROJECT:
Because FerraStone manufactures statues and incense powders, they desired a freestanding computer enclosure to house a monitor, printer, and computer. A second enclosure was needed to house a tower pc and would be stored underneath a desk.

CHALLENGES:
One of the biggest challenges: damaging dust and dirt in the air. FerraStone wished to maintain the utmost cleanliness throughout its facility and protect electronics and computers. The customer noted that, “there is so much dust, that it would have choked the fans!”

SOLUTION:
After reviewing various IceStation models, FerraStone deployed the IS562626-12 freestanding computer enclosure, which is rated NEMA 12 and protects against dust and dirt. The customer’s enclosure houses a computer, printer, and a monitor. The IS56-12 (powder coated blue) configuration includes 3 adjustable shelves, industrial grade casters, a keyboard tray, a rear split panel, lockable doors, lifting eye bolts to move the enclosure around with ease, and it can comfortably house a 21” monitor.

The second solution was an IP122826-12, which is also rated NEMA 12 and is designed to protect a tower computer. The IP12-12 (powder coated putty) features a lockable front door, power cord, and rear split panel for running wires and cables.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
The customer continues to be very happy with both IceStation enclosures. They exclaimed, “The ITSENCLOSURES products kept virtually ALL of the dust from the computers. You could take a white glove and find no dust. [The enclosures] were installed in 1999 and it is now 2018 and they are still working fine!”

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION:

• IS562626-12 Freestanding Enclosure
• IP122826-12 Computer Enclosure

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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HOW DID FUYAO FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
Fuyao initially contacted ITSENCLOSURES after an internet search for computer enclosures. ITSENCLOSURES was re-engaged on the project through the referral of an integrator for Fuyao.

PROJECT:
In 2015, Fuyao acquired PPG’s automotive glass manufacturing facilities and underwent major renovations before production could begin. Fuyao sought a heavy-duty industrial computer enclosure to house vital electronics on the plant floor. The requirements for the enclosure solution included a NEMA 12 rating and enough space to house a wide screen monitor, keyboard, mouse, computer and barcode printer. Fuyao’s major concerns included finding a quality product, at a competitive price, that would withstand a manufacturing environment. Due to the rapid expansion, the glass manufacturer required the enclosures very quickly to meet an aggressive timeline and ‘go live’ date.

CHALLENGES:
Based on a competitor’s cabinet, Fuyao set a very low budget for deploying the computer enclosures. Fuyao, not willing to accept an inferior product, contacted ITSENCLOSURES for 100 piece pricing on a comparable enclosure product. Unfortunately, the competitor’s products were not of the same quality of ITSENCLOSURES’ products and failed in Fuyao’s harsh, dirty environment. In order to show the product’s differences, ITSENCLOSURES offered to send Fuyao an evaluation unit to review internally before making a purchasing decision. In the end, the companies were able to negotiate a price that kept Fuyao within their desired budget.

SOLUTION:
ITSENCLOSURES recommended the IceStation TITAN freestanding computer enclosure. The TITAN enclosure accommodates up to a 24-inch wide screen monitor, has an integrated keyboard drawer with a sloped work surface, and space underneath the keyboard drawer for a PC and power supply. In addition to the standard offerings, Fuyao desired an external side mounted shelf to support a thermal barcode printer. A sealed cable entry gland, installed next to the shelf, easily routes electrical cables and wires without jeopardizing the NEMA 12 enclosure rating. To keep the electronics running at optimum temperatures, a 200 CFM filtered fan system, with a normally open thermostat, was installed on the enclosure.

INSTALLATION DATE:
Fuyao issued a purchase order in September 2015. Shipments of the computer enclosures began immediately and spanned over 3 months. ITSENCLOSURES completed the deliveries in December 2015, just before the holidays.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
In all, Fuyao deployed 130 IceStation TITAN enclosures between their Moraine, OH and Lake Orion, MI facilities. ITSENCLOSURES easily scaled production to meet Fuyao’s needs and delivered the enclosures ahead of their schedule. The automotive glass supplier is very pleased with the performance of the IceStation TITANS and hopes to order more cabinets in the future.

PRODUCT PAGE OF THE SOLUTION: Click Here

YOUTUBE VIDEO: 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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ITSENCLOSURES just announced the launch of the company’s new, mobile friendly website, www.itsenclosures.com, which provides customers with a brand new experience. While the URL remains the exact same, the website has a renewed look and clean feel with easier navigation on any computer browser, tablet, or phone. The NEMA 12 IceStation TITAN is just one of the many products that makes a big splash on many of the site’s updated pages.

Fresh Features:

• Quick buttons to download brochures, request a quote, live chat, & email
• Product pages with more useful, straight to the point information
• More videos and imagery for product lines, like IceStation, ViewStation, & NetStation
• Uncomplicated to navigate with updated navigation bar & dropdown menus
• More responsive on desktop computers, tablets, & smartphones
• High resolution banners that showcase the hottest, innovative products

JT Spangler, Owner and President of ITSENCLOSURES, loves how the new site functions and is excited to start collecting quote requests, “Our website is now easier to navigate with updated content and forms. The ITSENCLOSURES team studied and evaluated how customers interacted with our homepage and product pages and we hope that everyone will see a huge difference in how user friendly the site has become. Our plans are to continually refine our web presence, so our site continues to be a useful resource for our current and prospective customers.”

Since the site’s launch at the beginning of the month, the ITSENCLOSURES team has had an overwhelmingly positive response from users of the website. Customers can keep up to date with various product announcements, monthly blogs, and videos showcasing our products features.

“I love to see informative videos, large high resolution pictures, and bold colors and fonts. Our site really stands out when compared to other enclosure manufacturers and I hope that people will take notice and visit often. The overall goal is to grow our business and I believe that this new site will help us in that exciting endeavor.” added Mr. Spangler.

Visit the site, www.ITSENCLOSURES.com and see for yourself!

___

About ITSENCLOSURES

Located Southeast of Pittsburgh in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, ITSENCLOSURES designs and builds the toughest industrial enclosures on the market. ITSENCLOSURES’ large line of enclosures protect a company’s investment and maximize the lifetime of the electronics protected. ITSENCLOSURES’ products are always ‘Made in the USA’ and allow companies to safely use any electronics in the harshest operating environments. ITSENCLOSURES has been helping companies protect technology investments and realize the maximum life cycle of their equipment since its founding in 1985.

To learn more about ITSENCLOSURES, contact the Sales Department: 1-800-423-9911 –or– info@itsenclosures.com

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In an industrial environment or machining factory, protecting a PC, printer, monitor, and related peripherals from dangers – like dirt, dust, grease, humidity, liquids and harmful corrosives – is critical. Performing a simple Internet search will display multiple computer enclosures from many differing manufacturers. It may be a difficult task to find an enclosure which is best suited for multi-purpose use in an unforgiving plant setting.

From critical processes to equipment operation to simply checking email, end users will not have to worry about downtime if the appropriate workstation is specified in the initial plans. The steps below point out important items for an organization to consider, which will simplify the process of choosing the best computer enclosure.

4 Steps to Choosing the Exact Computer Enclosure

1. In what type of environment will the computer and/or electronics be located?
   
   When starting an enclosure search, determine the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rating recommended for your environment. Some examples of NEMA ratings that will work in many harsh environments, include the following:

NEMA 12 enclosures protect against dust, dirt, oils, lubricants, grease, and light splashing fluids (non-corrosive). NEMA 12 is intended for indoor use.

NEMA 4 enclosures protect against falling dirt, dust, splashing water and hose directed water. NEMA 4 is intended for indoors or outdoors (offers protection against rain, snow, ice, sleet).

NEMA 4X enclosures protect against falling dirt, dust, splashing water, hose directed water and corrosive materials. NEMA 4X is intended for indoors or outdoors (offers protection against rain, snow, ice, sleet).

2. Is bacteria and/or washdown a concern?

Pharmaceutical and food/drink processing plants should be aware of the computer enclosures’ ability to be thoroughly cleaned without harboring microbial contaminants. Stainless steel/sloped top computer enclosures will be the best option – in any environment – to shed water and reduce the possibility of bacterial growth. A heavy-duty gasket around the door frame, that is bacteria resistant, is also worth considering for additional protection.

3. What accessories best compliment the workstation?

During the selection process, a team leader should consider a wide range of optional accessories. Does the computer enclosure need to be mobile or stationary? Should the enclosure have lockable doors for security? How many shelves will be used for electronics? Is a VESA mount included for monitor installation? How will the wires/cables be organized? Will thermal management be a necessity in a hot/humid environment? Could a heater be installed in a freezer area? These questions (and many more) should be addressed during the selection process. Research the included features to ensure that the base computer enclosure model will fit any operator’s needs. Sliding shelves, industrial-grade castors, bolt down legs, lockable doors, keyboard drawers, mouse pads, cable entry glands, power cords, USB connectors, and hinged printer access doors are just some of the accessories that can enhance the end user experience and the enclosure’s overall utility.

4. What are the plans for the future?

Monitors, computers, keyboards, and printers are forever changing. Just when someone gets accustomed to a specific widescreen monitor or state-of-the-art computer system, the manufacturer introduces a newer version or a ‘faster, better model.’ When choosing a computer enclosure workstation, research features that will allow “growth” in the future. Viewing windows that can accept up to 24”, 27” or even 32” monitors will ensure that there is plenty of room to upgrade from the 19” monitor currently in use. Printers may get larger or smaller, depending on the printed material, so ensure that an enclosure shelf can hold varying amounts of weight and a hinged printer door can be used with different sizes of labels or paper. Computers can also change drastically over the years, so an enclosure with extra room will make all of the difference!

A buyer should always perform the proper product evaluation when purchasing a computer enclosure. Do not base a decision solely on price. Less expensive often means less quality and utility. Research various products on the market to determine the solution that will offer the most value in the long term. Computer enclosures are an investment. Choosing the right enclosure – for the job – will decrease the chance of an expensive replacement! Selecting the proper computer enclosure up front will maximize the life cycle of any computer system and ultimately be cost effective.

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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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

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