Super-tough enclosures top 300 options

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 21, 2007

Rugged glass-fibre-reinforced polyester enclosures offer a versatile solution for any application that calls for a high degree of protection from corrosion or other environmental conditions.

Spelsberg has a new range of highly durable nonmetallic enclosures for electrical junctions and instrumentation protection in the most demanding environments.

Originally developed to house sensitive electrical installations in tough petrochemical applications, the Stahlin J Series range of rugged glass-fibre-reinforced polyester (GRP) enclosures has now become a versatile solution for any application that calls for a high degree of protection from corrosion or other environmental conditions.

Stahlin's J Series is available in more than 300 configurations and 13 sizes ranging from 150 x 100 to 500 x 400mm.

The Stahlin J Series ensures reliable durability including moisture ingress protection up to IP68.

Flat, raised, bonded window and clear cover options are available to suit a broad range of equipment and instrumentation protection requirements, while seven different cover attachment methods - from secure screws to quick release latches with strong hinges - allow users to select exactly the right level of access.

A poured polyurethane seamless gasket provides a watertight, dust-tight environmental seal and all the Stahlin J Series enclosures are submersion rated, guaranteeing protection in the worst conditions.

Rounded edges with minimal protrusions and exposed pocket areas minimises the build up of dust and debris in less extreme circumstances.

Long-term durability is ensured through the use of 300 series stainless steel for all external hardware and moulded-in threaded brass inserts in all bosses.

An integrally moulded mounting flange makes installation and removal quick and easy.

Stahlin's hot compression moulded GRP thermoset material provides exceptional protection in a lightweight enclosure design.

The material stands up to exposure to a broad range of chemicals, resists impact and is electrically insulating.

It can be cut, sawn, punched or drilled easily and accurately.

Stahlin's patent pending SolarGuard material formulation also delivers extremely high protection from UV degradation.

In extensive comparison testing, SolarGuard outperformed other available SMC formulations by as much as 60% in its ability to retain gloss and colour after exposure to concentrated UV light.

SolarGuard is a nonhaloginated system - meaning that it contains no bromine and no antimony, thereby reducing the risk of smoke-borne toxicity.

SolarGuard requires less maintenance than paint, wax or gel-coat alternatives used to prolong the life of electrical enclosures in outdoor environments.

Because of its chemical composition and special additives, SolarGuard is able to reduce the effects of UV degradation such as surface roughening and fibre blooming.

This new proprietary SMC formulation technology significantly enhances the molecular bond strength and crosslinking that occur during the curing process.

The result is an unsurpassed resistance to polymer degradation achieved by making it much more difficult for UV energy to attack molecular bonds of both primary chains and crosslinks.

SolarGuard provides a second layer of protection thereby giving a "double protection" through the use of a unique sacrificial additive that acts as a UV absorber.

The material of all enclosures actually absorbs UV energy, then releases it without damaging the polymer chain.

The J Series is one of four super-tough enclosure ranges from Stahlin now distributed in the UK by Spelsberg.

All enclosures are available through Spelsberg's customisation and assembly service.

Spelsberg's in-house customisation service offers enclosures ready fitted with DIN rails and busbars, circuit breakers, colour-coded clip-on terminals for rail mounting and a wide selection of cable entry devices from simple push-in protection up to fully clamping IP68 cable glands.

Modifications include anything from milling, drilling and engraving to custom cable entries, brand logos or simple instructions.

The service provides customers with the benefits of reduced overall costs, faster production time, reduced stock, administration and minimised administration.

Spelsberg has the largest range of ex-stock plastic enclosures available in the UK located at the company's Telford headquarters where the entire Stahlin J Series range is stocked; centrally located to provide immediate access to technical support and next day delivery on all standard items.