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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:
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 post Engineered Software Products – Printer Enclosure appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.
]]>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
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 post All Weather – Printer Enclosures Case Study appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.
]]>
COMPANY SYNOPSIS:
According to the company’s website, “All Weather Inc. (AWI) is a leading developer of highly accurate, highly dependable aviation technology solutions that help… customers minimize risks in an unpredictable world. AWI combines state-of-the-art air traffic integration and surface weather measurement technology with flexible system design and comprehensive project management. Offerings include aviation weather systems, air traffic control systems, custom system engineering, and a wide range of precision meteorological sensors and systems.”
HOW DID ALL WEATHER, INC. FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
While perusing the web for steel printer enclosures for a specific job, All Weather’s engineering department found the ITSENCLOSURES website and reached out for enclosure options, quantity pricing, and lead time.
PROJECT:
All Weather desired a heavy-duty printer enclosures for an airport system that was in the process of revamping its facility. AWI closely worked with a contractor on the bid and shared ITSENCLOSURES’ pricing and availability with the contracting team for evaluation.
CHALLENGES:
The biggest challenge that AWI would face is dust/dirt penetrating the printer and hindering its operation. Since the overall installation environment is dusty, the application required NEMA 12 rated printer enclosures to protect the printer from exterior contaminants.
SOLUTION:
After reviewing a few options, All Weather purchased a powder coated 14-gauge steel, PB202024-12 printer enclosure, which protects against dust, dirt, non-corrosive/splashing liquids, and fibers in the air. All Weather did not desire a printed material label slot, so ITSENCLOSURES installed a solid Lexan Polycarbonate window. The standard features – of the PB20-12 – include a sliding shelf (for printers weighing up to 80 pounds), a lockable front door, and a rear split panel for running cables and wires into the printer enclosures.
SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
All Weather is very happy with the PB20-12 printer enclosures and plans to purchase additional enclosures in the future as projects arise at airports across the country. An All Weather representative stated, “the purchasing experience was simple and fast!”
PB202024-12 PRODUCT PAGE: 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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]]>The post Creating the Perfect TITAN Computer Enclosure appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.
]]>Meet the NEMA 12 IceStation TITAN computer enclosure by ITSENCLOSURES! Measuring at 60-inches high, 30-inches wide, and 27-inches deep, the 14 gauge steel (with 12 gauge doors) TITAN pc enclosure is an all-in-one industrial workstation that will protect your PC and electronics from dust, dirt, grease, contaminants, and light splashing fluids.
Out of the box, the TITAN (IS603027-12) computer enclosure includes:
- 24-inch tempered safety glass viewing window (polycarbonate window also available)
- Adjustable monitor shelf with VESA mount
- Integrated keyboard drawer with ergonomic wrist-rest and sloped work surface
- Key locking latches
- Industrial casters and gasketed split panel for cable entry
- Available in Blue, Gray, Black, or any Custom RAL color of your choice (additional charge)!
These are all very convenient features, but what additional options are available to create the ‘Perfect TITAN’ computer enclosure for a manufacturing environment?
Accessories to Consider:
- Thermal Management – A filtered fan system, air conditioner, heat exchanger or vortex cooling unit can be added to the IceStation TITAN. If unsure which system best suits your manufacturing needs, please consult an ITSENCLOSURES representative for a cooling recommendation.
- Bolt Down Legs – All TITANs come equipped with industrial casters that enable the enclosure to be mobile. The front casters are lockable for positioning the enclosure in its desired location. If the TITAN needs to be anchored into place, bolt down legs can easily replace the casters.
- Surge Protector/Power Supply – Every TITAN needs power! Adding a 6 outlet surge protector to the inside of the TITAN will enable a user to plug in various electronics, including printers, monitors and computers. Plus, add a simple 10 foot power supply cord to easily reach an outlet.
- External Shelf – Add a folding or stationary fixed shelf to either side of the TITAN for paperwork, file folders, an extra work space, or any other vital accessory needed to ‘get the job done’ on a daily basis. The shelf’s weight capacity is approximately 75 pounds.
- Printer Access Door – Installing a printer inside of the TITAN? Consider adding a hinged printer door. The printer access doors will allow easy access to printouts/labels, without having to open the enclosure door. The location of the desired printer door can be installed based on the height and size of the printer.
- Sliding Shelf Brackets – The TITAN includes a fixed, adjustable shelf for electronics. Consider adding sliding shelf brackets for easy access to the printer, computer or other various electronics that will reside in the TITAN. The sliding shelf is especially helpful when accessing a printer to change media/labels.
We can talk about the benefits of the TITAN all day, but sometimes it is just better to watch an informative product video.
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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]]>The post Questions to Ask When Searching for a Computer Enclosure 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:
- 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.
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.- 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. - 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. - 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
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]]>The post ITSENCLOSURES Introduces NEMA 4 Printer Enclosure appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.
]]>Mt. Pleasant, PA (January 9, 2019) – ITSENCLOSURES, the leader of American made industrial printer cabinets for barcode printers and desktop printers, has announced the latest product in a long line of high-quality printer enclosures: the PB282626-04, a NEMA 4 cabinet that protects and guards against dust, dirt, grease, hose directed water, and most weather conditions like rain and snow.
The printer enclosure is designed to shield desktop laser printers (such as Brother, Canon, HP, and Ricoh) and thermal transfer label printers (such as Zebra, Cognitive, Honeywell, and Intermec), on dusty, dirty, and wet factory floors. The PB28-04 enclosure is fabricated out of 14-gauge painted steel and the outside dimensions measure 28” high by 26” wide by 26” deep. The maximum printer dimensions, for the printer enclosure, are 18” high by 20” wide by 21” deep.
The PB28-04 front door features quarter turn knob-style compression latches and durable dual durometer EPDM gasket. The rear door is lockable and has a 22.0” high by 22.5” wide opening. The interior of the printer enclosure features an adjustable 20.2” extended sliding shelf, which provides effortless access to the printer for printouts, ink replacement, and label media loading. The sliding shelf is vertically adjustable and will support printers weighing up to 80 pounds.
JT Spangler, Owner/President of ITSENCLOSURES, is very enthusiastic when talking about the new printer cabinet assembly, “The PB28 printer enclosure was engineered and fabricated out of necessity from our customers. We have found much success with our NEMA 12 and NEMA 4X printer enclosures and desired to have a NEMA 4 option in our product offerings. The end product was exactly what I had in mind and we look forward to installing these in harsh environments – both indoors and outdoors.”
ITSENCLOSURES offers useful accessories for all of the desktop and printer enclosures, including a vertically adjustable bolt down or mobile pedestal to create a suitable height for users, sealed cable entry glands for various sizes of cables and wires, power strips, and thermal management, including a NEMA 4 heat exchanger or vortex cooling unit.
“Our state-of-the-art NEMA 4 enclosures are heavy-duty and will protect electronics in most settings, which makes them extremely versatile for our customers,” added Mr. Spangler.
The printer enclosure enclosure is available in blue, gray, or any custom color found on the RAL color chart.
Based on a customer’s printing applications, ITSENCLOSURES printer enclosures are also available with NEMA 12 (powder coated steel) and NEMA 4X (stainless steel) ratings.
Manufacturing and engineering heavy-duty enclosures for over three decades, ITSENCLOSURES fabricates the toughest cabinets in the industry and ships each product assembled and ready to use upon delivery. Every product is designed, and field tested in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania – outside of Pittsburgh.
For more information, visit the PB28-04 product page
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]]>Mt. Pleasant, PA (May 16, 2018) – ITSENCLOSURES, an innovator of durable, NEMA rated enclosures for industrial environments, is proud to announce another heavy-duty, IceStation enclosure: the PB262426-12, a NEMA Type-12 printer enclosure.
The ultra-modern product is designed to shield and protect label barcode printers, on harsh and dirty factory floors, including Zebra thermal transfer barcode printers. The PB26-12 enclosure is fabricated out of 14-gauge painted steel and measures 26” high by 24” wide by 28” deep. The maximum printer dimensions for the PB26-12 are 21” high by 20” wide by 22” deep.
The printer box has lockable front and rear doors for added security and protection from the elements and includes lift and turn compression latches. For customer customization, the front door includes a removable polycarbonate window, which is easily modified for a custom label slot or hinged printer door. The interior of the enclosure features an adjustable 22” extended sliding shelf, which provides easy access to the printer for label media loading. The sliding shelf can be adjusted vertically and will support barcode printers weighing up to 80 pounds. The shelf has an adjustable depth bracket to keep the printer in position.
The rear of the enclosure features a 10-foot power cord and a mini-split panel built into the door. To route multiple cables and wires, the Roxtec cable entry gland accessory can be added to the enclosure door or sides of the enclosure.
This printer enclosure can also be used for many desktop laser printers by installing an optional ‘access hinged printer door’ on the top of the unit to retrieve 8½” x 11” sheets of paper.
JT Spangler, Owner and President of ITSENCLOSURES, is thrilled to introduce another printer box enclosure, “Over the past few years, we have had enormous success with our printer enclosure line. The PB26, which is larger than our popular PB20 printer enclosure, provides customers with an alternative option for printer protection in a dirty plant or factory. We believe that this enclosure will have a significant impact on the thermal barcode printer industry.”
Based on a customer’s printing applications, ITSENCLOSURES are available with NEMA 12 or NEMA 4X ratings. The NEMA 12 IceStation printer boxes protect against dirt, dust, splashing fluids, grease, lint, and damaging fibers in the air. The NEMA 4X enclosure is ideal for wash down applications in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries. Numerous accessories are available for the PB26 printer box enclosure. The most popular accessory is the filtered fan system which creates positive pressure on the inside of the enclosure and prevents dust and dirt entry at the label access slot. A stationary or mobile pedestal is also available at varying heights. A hinged printer door that maintains a seal – until opened – allows an operator to retrieve labels quickly and efficiently. For freezer or cooler environments, a thermostatically controlled heater can be added to maintain temperatures.
“Our goal is to introduce various new products this year and we are happy to offer our customers multiple off-the-shelf solutions, which can ship out in only a couple days,” added Mr. Spangler.
Designing and engineering heavy-duty enclosures since 1985, ITSENCLOSURES manufactures the most durable electronics enclosures on the market and ships every product completely assembled and ready to use upon delivery. Every product is designed and fabricated in Western Pennsylvania.
For More Information, Visit the Product Page: Click Here
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]]>The post 3 Areas Printer Enclosures Protect Zebra Printers appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.
]]>Luckily, there is a perfect solution! Deploying a NEMA-rated printer enclosure will allow a Zebra barcode printer to be installed in a multitude of areas that would normally be out of reach. With the help of a printer enclosure, manufacturers can print labels with ease in the following 3 harsh locations.
1. Cold, Freezer Environments
To create the proper thermal transfer on a label, Zebra printers require a regulated temperature of 32°F to 104°F. Thus, using a printer in a sub-freezing area is virtually an impossible task without some sort of heat source. Installing the printer inside of a sealed printer enclosure – with a supplemental heater – will ensure the appropriate operating temperature is maintained inside of the enclosure. Users are able to print labels quickly and efficiently. In addition, a NEMA 12 enclosure will eliminate the issue of bothersome condensation in freezer areas. Condensation occurs when the printer is moved in and out of a cold environment. The printer enclosure allows for a permanent printer solution.
2. Dirty Environments
Production areas that are especially dirty or dusty will also affect the performance of a Zebra printer. Dust and dirt can cause a void or misprint numbers/letters on the label, which could be detrimental when shipping products. In order for the thermal transfer to work correctly, the ribbon needs to be extremely clean and free of ANY dust particles. Signs of a problem include: a wrinkle in the ribbon, light or faded text, white spots, or even a broken ribbon. Again, the best solution is to install a NEMA 12 barcode printer enclosure. A properly sealed enclosure will ensure outside particulate matter is kept far away from the printer and therefore allow the printing process to operate in its fully intended capacity.
3. Wet, Wash-Down Environments
Generally speaking, water and electronics do not mix! A stainless steel, NEMA 4X printer enclosure will solve the problem of deploying a printer in a harsh, wash-down environment. NEMA 4X printer enclosures will protect the printer against water, including dripping, hose directed, or splashing fluids. The printer will also be protected and shielded from abrasive chemicals that are often used in a wash-down procedure.
In the beginning, it may seem as though a printer enclosure solution is costly and out of budget. However, in the long run, it will save time, money, and will keep expensive printers guarded and safe from harm. Therefore, the installation locations of a Zebra printer are limitless with the right printer enclosure. Conduct the proper research and find the enclosure solution that will work best in your work environment.
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]]>The post Problems Printer Enclosures Solve for Printers appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.
]]>By deploying printer enclosures with the correct thermal management, a Zebra printer can operate in a multitude of areas. Many Zebra printers use a process called “thermal transfer” to produce small or large high-quality prints on labels. The innovative method uses a precise heated ribbon to create long lasting images on the surface of a label or tag. Zebra printers can create robust wristbands, colorful cards, product identification tags, or certification labels.
With the versatility to create durable labels, it is natural for manufacturers, distribution centers, or warehouses to utilize these printers on the factory floor. However, not all areas are created equal!
Coolers, refrigerators, chillers, or freezer conditions can cause the following issues:
- Warning – Temperature Drops Below 59°F
When the ambient temperature of the facility drops below 59°F, Zebra printers will display a warning message. Although the actual printer is not at risk of any permanent damage, the print quality may degrade or the printer will slow down considerably – based on the colder ambient temperature.
- Error – Print Heat is Too Cold
If the printer is close to a loading dock or an outside gate/garage door, it is susceptible to less than ideal operating temperatures. Essentially, the printer detects that it is unable to heat the printer head to a high enough temperature to print labels and simply ceases to work. In addition, if the environment is too cold, Zebra printers will display an error or shut down if the electrical or battery output drops to a low enough voltage level.
- Condensation
When a piece of electronic equipment is used in a cooler or freezer environment, condensation may occur. If the printer is moved in and out of a cold setting, water droplets can form, causing issues with the printer. The display screen may even be difficult to read.
The solution – A thermostatically controlled heated printer enclosure!
By deploying printer enclosures with the correct thermal management, Zebra printers can operate in a multitude of areas, as well as, extreme outdoor weather conditions. The printer enclosure will provide a reliable operating environment for the barcode printer no matter where the device resides in the factory. According to the blog, ‘Cool Solutions for the Cold Chain,’ “Label printing solutions, for instance, need purpose-built heater boxes to ensure printer functionality and also to keep the media at an effective application temperature.” The correct enclosure solution can translate into fulfilling more orders per day or increasing accuracy and productivity in a challenging area. A Zebra printer enclosure will serve as a permanent fix and eliminate the issue of harmful condensation.
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]]>The post 3 Reasons to Use Industrial Enclosures with Desktop 3D Printers 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.”
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