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Outdoor enclosure

Outdoor enclosure

Outdoor enclosure

(OP)
I usually work with indoor components so I'm not used with outdoor ones.
We are developing a new product that work near a solar panel.
So the plastic case has to resist to UV and weather, in a temperature range from -25°C to 120°C.
Can you help me?

Thanks
  

RE: Outdoor enclosure

yes.. do you have a specific question?

RE: Outdoor enclosure

About 4 threads below yours is one asking about a material for an "outdoor call point".  Good suggestion from Pud and others there.  If you find them helpful, give them another star.

RE: Outdoor enclosure

If the application is close to a solar pannel the mechanical properties like impact or flexural modulus are not a major need.
What you are looking is a whetherable material.
If it's an electrical box most probably you will need Flame retardant producct. Is that correct?
I will recommend to take a look in the major Electrical boxes producers.
The material most used is Thermostable (SMC), or PBT with 30%GF.
I will not go for PA GF due the lack of flexibility at low temp ar PC due the lack of UV resistence.
Other solution is to paint tthe box so then you can go even with ABS or ABS/PC.
 

RE: Outdoor enclosure

(OP)
Thanks a lot for you answer.
Yes, the material has to be flame retardant.
I don't know "Thermostable (SMC)", what is it?

 

RE: Outdoor enclosure


How big is this box?

If it's to be injection moulded then I would suggest a FR and GF PBT. Good outdoors being a polyester, dimensionally stable (low moisture uptake), used a lot for higher temp electrical stuff. Reasonable cost.

Cheers

Harry

www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk

RE: Outdoor enclosure

(OP)
The box is about 60*40*15 mm and it will be injection moulded.
What about ABS?We have a similar dimension box made by ABS and to reduce costs we are also evalutating if we can use this one outdoor.

RE: Outdoor enclosure


ABS is crap outdoors (as mentioned, can be painted).

ASA is good, but not sure if FR grades available.

No reason you can't use existing tooling. Parts in either FR GF nylon or PBT will be a tiny bit smaller though.

Of course, PVC is outstanding outdoors and inherently FR. Stainless steel tooling really required though....

Cheers

Harry  

www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk

RE: Outdoor enclosure

There is a grade of FR ASA. It's actually ASA/PC though. One of the Luran SC grades.

Chris DeArmitt

"Knowledge has no value except that which can be gained from its application toward some worthwhile end."
Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill

RE: Outdoor enclosure

If the mould is already made, the box will probably warp a bit if moulded in any GF material. Some glass/mineral FR nylons or PBT can have similar shrinkage to ABS. ABS is really very poor outdoors. UV stabilised PC is good and stable, but sometimes has chemical attack issues from some very common everyday chemicals.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &
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RE: Outdoor enclosure

(OP)
Thanks a lot for you support.
Does PBT need anti UV additives or it is naturally resistant to UV?

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