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WHEN ARE PLASTIC ENCLOSURES THE SMARTER CHOICE FOR INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS?

Industrial enclosures

PLASTIC ENCLOSURES AS A PREFERRED TECHNICAL SOLUTION

Advances in engineering polymers and enclosure design have transformed the capabilities of high-performance plastic housings – making them an increasingly attractive alternative for a broad spectrum of industrial electronics applications.

In many cases, modern plastic enclosures now offer performance and cost advantages that can outweigh the perceived benefits of diecast aluminium. Plastic is no longer seen as merely a lower-cost alternative to aluminium – in many applications it is now a preferred technical solution.

HOW PLASTIC ENCLOSURES CAN EXCEL IN INDUSTRIAL SETTINGS

One of the most important advantages of plastic enclosures is their transparency to radio frequency signals. As industrial systems become more connected through wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRaWAN, Zigbee, NB-IoT and 5G, enclosure material selection has become a critical design consideration.

Aluminium housings naturally attenuate RF signals, often requiring external antennas, additional cable glands and more complex assembly arrangements. Plastic enclosures allow antennas to operate effectively from within the housing itself – simplifying design, improving reliability and reducing overall system costs. This is particularly valuable for smart sensors, IIoT gateways, asset tracking systems and remote monitoring equipment.

Weight reduction is another major advantage. Plastic enclosures are significantly lighter than diecast aluminium equivalents, making them easier to handle during installation and maintenance. In portable industrial equipment, handheld terminals and wall-mounted control devices, lower weight improves ergonomics and reduces mounting stress. This can also reduce transportation costs and improve sustainability by lowering energy consumption throughout the supply chain.

Corrosion resistance is an area where engineering plastics often outperform aluminium. Although diecast aluminium can provide good durability, it is still vulnerable to oxidation, galvanic corrosion and chemical attack in harsh environments. Industrial facilities frequently expose equipment to moisture, salt, cleaning agents, fertilisers, oils and aggressive chemicals. High-quality plastics such as ASA, polycarbonate and ABS blends are naturally resistant to many corrosive conditions and do not require secondary surface treatments or protective coatings. This makes them highly suitable for outdoor electronics, wastewater systems, food processing plants and marine-adjacent installations.

Thermal behaviour is sometimes cited as an advantage for aluminium because metal dissipates heat efficiently. However, in many industrial electronics applications, excessive heat transfer can be a disadvantage. Aluminium enclosures readily conduct external temperatures into the housing, potentially exposing sensitive electronics to thermal shock, condensation or overheating in direct sunlight. Plastic materials provide a degree of thermal insulation, helping to stabilise internal temperatures and protect delicate electronic assemblies. For many low-power and medium-power embedded systems, this characteristic improves long-term reliability.

Environmental sealing capabilities have also improved dramatically in recent years. Advanced plastic enclosures can achieve high ingress protection ratings such as IP 65, IP 66 and IP 67 through precision moulding and modern gasket systems. In many industrial environments, these sealing levels are entirely sufficient for protecting electronics against dust and moisture. Plastic housings can therefore deliver the necessary environmental performance without the additional weight and cost associated with metal alternatives.

Electrical insulation is another inherent advantage of plastics. Unlike aluminium, plastic enclosures are non-conductive – reducing the risk of accidental electrical contact and eliminating the need for additional insulation measures in many applications. This simplifies compliance with electrical safety requirements and can help to reduce overall system complexity.

Aesthetics are increasingly important in industrial electronics, particularly as manufacturers seek to create products that reflect innovation and quality. Plastic enclosures offer broader possibilities for colour integration, surface textures and contemporary styling. This is especially relevant for modern control systems, HMI devices, medical-industrial crossover products and smart factory technologies where appearance contributes to perceived value and brand identity.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PLASTIC ENCLOSURE FOR INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS?

Plastic enclosures destined for industrial applications should offer the following capabilities:

  • high impact resistance and durable construction
  • reliable sealing against dust and moisture in accordance with IP ratings
  • secure and versatile mounting options that do not compromise ingress protection
  • UV resistance – this is particularly important for outdoor applications
  • flame-retardant materials for safety and compliance.

    The enclosures must also offer plenty of internal space for the electronics, secure mounting options for PCBs, and suitable surfaces for interfaces, cable glands or control elements.

    OKW’S BEST PLASTIC ENCLOSURES FOR CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS

    OKW offers a wide range of plastic enclosures for diverse industrial applications. Four key models have proven highly successful for IoT/IIoT smart factories, mechanical engineering, measurement/control and HVAC:

    • SOLID-BOX tabletop/wall-mount enclosures

    SOLID-BOX (IP 66, IP 67, IK 08) tabletop/wall-mount enclosures combine robust protection with modern aesthetics. Concealed screw connections ensure a clean, uncluttered design. Specifications include:

  • lid closed’ installation – snap-on trims cover the screw channels and corrosion-resistant captive Torx screws
  • two types of hinge (accessories) ensure the lid remains attached to the main case body when the enclosure is open
  • internal fastening pillars for circuit boards, DIN rails and mounting plates
  • mounting points on the rear (sizes 145 and 175) match the hole patterns of VESA MIS-D 75/100.
  • flame-retardant PC+ABS (UL 94 V-0) with increased heat distortion temperature (Vicat/B 120 = 110°C), chlorine- and bromine-free flame resistance.

    • View SOLID-BOX full range >>

    SMART-BOX wall-mount and desktop enclosures

    SMART-BOX (IP 66) combines ergonomic design with tough, durable construction. Its rounded contours create a modern, high-quality appearance. Key features of these ASA+PC (UL 94 V-0) enclosures include:

  • universal use for wall-mount and desktop applications
  • ‘lid closed’ installation to protect the seal and electronics during fitting or removal in wet or dusty conditions
  • flush-fitting hinged trims that hide the lid and mounting screws – these trims are permanently attached
  • lid retaining straps.

    • View SMART-BOX full range >>

    IN-BOX wall-mount and desktop enclosures

    IN-BOX (IP 66, IP 67) stands out for its exceptional flexibility. A wide selection of materials and sizes allows it to be matched precisely to the application, from compact installations to larger equipment.

    Features include:

  • multiple material variants (ABS, PC) offer a choice of impact resistance ratings (IK07 ABS, IK08 PC)
  • opaque or transparent lid, both available as standard
  • efficient quarter-turn lid screws in stainless steel
  • comprehensive range of accessories includes wall mounting brackets, lid hinges, security kits, DIN rails, mounting plates and pressure equalisation grommets.

    • View IN-BOX full range >>

    ROBUST-BOX wall-mount and desktop enclosures

    ROBUST-BOX (IP 66) lives up to its name, offering exceptional durability and a high degree of flexibility. Both halves of the enclosure are threaded, allowing users to decide freely which side is used as the base, creating a wider choice of sizes as standard.

    Features include:

  • wall mounting either directly or with brackets (accessory)
  • fixings hidden beneath cover trims offered in a range of colours for branding or identification
  • available in ABS or PC as standard.

    • View ROBUST-BOX full range >>

    Fully customised enclosures

    SPECIFY YOUR ENCLOSURES FULLY CUSTOMISED

    OKW can supply these enclosures fully customised, ready for the installation of your electronics. We carry out all the work in-house to ensure quality and accountability. Services include machining, printing, laser marking, decor foils, EMC shielding, and installation/assembly of accessories. (Lacquering is also available for ROBUST-BOX.)

    View OKW customising services >>

    FIND OUT MORE

    Compare SOLID-BOX, SMART-BOX, IN-BOX and ROBUST-BOX enclosures in more detail >>

    Contact us for expert advice on specifying standard or customised enclosures/tuning knobs.Request a sample and/or register to download a 3D model.