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Measurement technologies with focus on precision - what role do enclosures play?

Enclosures for reliable measurement technology

Why is precision so important in measurement technology?

The aim of measurement technology is to improve quality, efficiency and productivity with regard to economic, ecological and human aspects. Monitoring and optimizing processes on this basis only works with reliable devices - regardless of whether it concerns areas in industry, healthcare, research, laboratories or environmental technology. 
Physical and geometric variables, such as temperatures and pressures or even electrical voltages, must be precisely recorded, analyzed and controlled. This is done using state-of-the-art sensors in conjunction with control and regulation technology and often also with artificial intelligence.

 

What needs to be considered when choosing the right measurement technology housing?

The first question that arises is, of course, where the device will be used: mobile or stationary, indoors or outdoors; can it be wired or must it function independently? Desktop or wall-mounted applications are suitable for stationary applications with permanent operation, while handheld devices or wearables are more suitable for mobile use, as they score points for portability and flexibility.

The possible uses of measurement technology are varied and complex, and so are the demands placed on the housings. But they all have one thing in common: they are equipped with high-quality and precise electronics and these need to be “packaged” appropriately, so a number of factors need to be taken into account when selecting the right enclosure.

1. IP protection class: 
The protection class indicates the degree of protection of the housing against the ingress of dust and moisture. The environment in which the measuring device is used is decisive for the degree of protection that the housing must provide: The more “extreme” the environmental conditions, the higher the IP protection class should be.

2. Material: 
Plastic enclosures often offer a good balance between strength, weight and cost and are also adaptable in terms of color and shape. Different plastics have different properties in terms of UV or chemical resistance, flammability, impact resistance, wear resistance and much more, depending on the material composition.

3. Size and Design: 
The size of the housing and the electronic components should be optimally matched: from miniaturized to large-volume. Efficient and flexible mounting options, ease of operation and reading and ergonomics are further details that should not be neglected.

 

What added value do high-quality, modifiable enclosures offer?

The electronic components are reliably protected and, if the housings are precisely matched to the electronic components or vice versa, the measuring accuracy can also be positively influenced. You minimize the risk of failures and repairs, which saves time and money and increases the service life of the measuring devices. An application-oriented range of accessories and customer-specific processing options further expand the possibilities offered by standard enclosures.

Which OKW enclosures are particularly suitable as reliable electronic packaging for measuring devices?
As different as the sizes are that are measured, as different are the devices - and therefore also the enclosures. Below you will find an exemplary selection of suitable OKW enclosures from mini to voluminous.

DATEC-COMPACT: a robust, ergonomic mobile housing for fatigue-free operation

  • UV-resistant, flame-retardant material: ASA+PC-FR (UL 94 V-0)
  • High degree of protection IP 65 with seal for harsh environments (without seal IP41)
  • for indoor and outdoor applications
  • 2 standard colors: grey-white (RAL 9002) and lava
  • 3 sizes: S (136 x 74 x 32mm), M (172 x 92 x 39mm) and L (206 x 110 x 47mm)

DATEC-COMPACT

DATEC-COMPACT in use as a wood moisture meter

 

SOLID-BOX: for modern electronics packaging in industrial environments or protected outdoor areas

  • High-quality, flame-retardant V0 material (PC+ABS-FR) with improved heat resistance (Vicat/B 120 = 110 °C)
  • High degree of protection IP66/IP67 and impact protection IK08
  • Aesthetic, highly polished housing surface, combined with flush-mounted design covers for a concealed screw connection area
  • 2 standard colors: anthracite grey (RAL 7016) and light grey (RAL 7035)
  • 3 sizes: 115 (135 x 115 x 50 mm), 145 (180 x 145 x 60 mm) and 175 (225 x 175 x 70 m)
  • Recessed control panel to protect membrane keypads

SOLID-BOX
SOLID-BOX in use in the field of smart farming for Long-term monitorin

 

PROTEC: Square basic shape and ideal for use as a wall and desk housing

  • High-quality V0 material
  • Protection class IP 65 (required seal as accessory)
  • 20° inclined, ergonomic operating surface
  • in the standard color grey-white (RAL 9002)
  • 3 sizes: 140/180/200, each in three design variants
  • Recessed control panel for the integration of membrane keypads, operating elements or touch systems

PROTEC
PROTEC in use as a multimeter measuring device

 

 

MINI-DATA-BOX: High-quality optics for miniaturized electronic components

  • Flame-retardant, UV-resistant ASA+PC-FR (UL 94 V-0)
  • 2 standard colors: traffic white (RAL 9016) and anthracite grey (RAL 7016)
  • High degree of protection IP 65 with seal for harsh environments (without seal IP40)
  • 2 basic shapes: S (Square) with 40 x 40 mm and 50 x 50 mm as well as E (Edge) with 40 x 60 mm and 50 x 70 mm, each in 15 and 20 mm height
  • Lower part without/with flange for quick wall/ceiling mounting or for fixing to rails and pipe profiles or masts

MINI-DATA-BOX
MINI-DATA-BOX in use as a data logger in the field of plant management

 

VIDEO

If you are interested in further information about our enclosured in the field of MEASUREMENT / CONTROL / AUTOMATION, watch the video below:

 

 

 

GET EXPERT ADVICE

Contact us for expert advice on specifying standard or customised enclosures / tuning knobs – and don’t forget to request a sample or download a 3D-model/drawing.

Kerstin Riedling

Kerstin Riedling

With a degree in Business Administration (FH) specialising in marketing and market research, Kerstin Riedling has developed broad expertise across diverse industries and roles throughout her career. Since 2022, she has brought her passion for communication and creativity to OKW Gehäusesysteme, where she contributes to the Marketing and Communication department.

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