Polycarbonate and ABS enclosures
April 2004
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Fibox thermoplastic enclosures are made of polycarbonate (PC) or acrylnitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) materials. High impact-resistant polystyrene (PS) enclosures are available to order.
Polycarbonate is an amorphous thermal plastic material whose high heat resistance and excellent physical properties make it a suitable material for enclosures. Polycarbonate can withstand wide temperature fluctuations and its good electrical properties are unaffected by humidity. As a self-extinguishing material polycarbonate requires no protective coating.
ABS is another amorphous thermal plastic material with good physical properties and high resistance to chemical attack. It is an ideal low-cost material for indoor applications. Polycarbonate and ABS enclosures require no actual maintenance. Any dusty units can be cleaned with soap and water. If a detergent is used, the enclosure should be thoroughly rinsed in clean water. Do not use any solvents.
Polycarbonates used in Fibox enclosures have been tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratories, Melville, N.Y. USA, in conformity with standard UL 508 par. 34; 16-22. This standard specifies testing 720 hours in 'Weatherometer' (intensified UV light combined with water spray). After testing, the materials must retain 85% of the original values with respect to tensile and flexural strength, impact resistance, flammability, and glow wire ignition.
UV considerations in tropical latitudes
The grey coloured material performs with some discoloration. This is due to the TIO used in the grey pigmentation in order to UV-stabilise the material. The transparent material, however, which absorbs the UV radiation throughout the material, will in due time (some years) not only turn yellowish, but transparent materials will allow the UV-radiation to harm the components mounted inside the enclosure. A sunshade over the enclosure would be recommended. (The use of ABS material is not recommended where direct exposure to sunlight is unavoidable.)
Fibox produces enclosures made of aluminium, ABS, polycarbonate (PC) and glass-reinforced polyester/PC. There are also a variety of gaskets made from different materials to cater for different requirements.
For more information contact Automation Control Components, 011 420 2280, [email protected]
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