Enclosures are an essential part of modern-day industry. Besides shielding sensitive electronics and control technology from external influences, they also protect people from hazards in areas where electric currents are present.
Plastic enclosures in particular are playing an increasingly important role, as they have numerous advantages over metal enclosures. Depending on the specific plastic material used, they can have a corrosion-resistant, lightweight and/or electrically insulating design, and they are highly versatile.
As a world-leading supplier of enclosure systems, Rittal offers innovative plastic enclosures that have been developed specifically for demanding industrial applications.
Areas of use for plastic enclosures in industry
Plastic enclosures are becoming an increasingly important part of modern industrial environments. AX plastic enclosures are all about maximum simplification, speed and configuration freedom. They also meet the highest demands in terms of safety and robustness.
The extremely harsh environments in this industry place particularly high demands on a housing’s material and surface. Plastic enclosures made of specific materials such as fibreglass-reinforced polyester or with special coatings are resistant to UV radiation, salt and salty air.
In this particular application, enclosures are exposed to a variety of damaging influences, such as aggressive vapours that can attack the material. Selecting the correct material ensures plastic enclosures offer optimum protection from these influences – and also from the elements and UV radiation.
From railway technology to airports – thanks to their robust material and sturdy design, plastic enclosures withstand whatever the weather throws at them, aggressive environments, and both pressure and suction forces. The protection they offer also extends, for example, to flying particles from aircraft, such as tyre wear particles.
Plastic enclosures are ideal for photovoltaic installations, as their weather-resistant and UV-resistant design means they are suitable for permanent outdoor use. These corrosion-free solutions are easy to install and offer excellent electrical safety thanks to their protective insulation. They also enable flexible integration of components and ensure reliable protection from dust and moisture.
Plastic Ex enclosures offer exceptional corrosion resistance, making them ideal for harsh environments such as offshore platforms and refineries. They also meet all relevant explosion protection certification requirements – such as ATEX, IEC Ex and UL HazLoc – and can be adapted as necessary, making them perfect for demanding applications in the oil and gas industry.
Material-related benefits – why plastic enclosures are robust and durable
The properties of the materials used for plastic enclosures play a key role in their resistance and durability. High-quality plastics offer excellent resistance to mechanical loads, UV radiation and extreme temperatures. As a result, the enclosures maintain their dimensional stability and functionality, even under challenging operating conditions.
| Criterion | Plastic enclosure |
| Corrosion resistance | Very high – does not react with water, acids or alkalis and is therefore ideal for wet/humid or aggressive environments |
| Weight | Light |
| Electrical insulation | Very good – non-conductive |
| UV resistance | Good Resistance can be enhanced using appropriate outdoor coatings. |
| Costs | More cost-effective for small to medium-sized applications |
| Typical areas of use | Outdoor areas, wet/humid areas, chemical industry, waterworks |
Extremely versatile – adaptability of plastic enclosures to different environments
Plastic enclosures provide enhanced protection in numerous areas, making them ideal for industrial facilities, wet/humid locations and outdoor use. Their versatility makes them the best possible solution for changing requirements in all kinds of applications. Excellent resistance to environmental influences means plastic enclosures remain reliable, even under extreme conditions. They maximise operational reliability and ensure the long-term availability of technical equipment.
Corrosion resistance – a key operational benefit
Plastic enclosures provide long-lasting protection in harsh industrial environments – even when exposed to moisture, chemicals and dust. Their excellent corrosion resistance reduces the amount of maintenance work required, prevents material wear and minimises downtimes. This boosts operational reliability and cuts costs on a long-term basis.
Thanks to their electrochemical resistance, plastic enclosures are ideal for aggressive environments – without any additional protective measures whatsoever. They boost system availability, safeguard investments and support sustainable production targets, and their robustness gives companies a clear competitive advantage.
Sustainability and eco-friendly credentials of plastic enclosures
Besides enabling a resource-friendly manufacturing process, today’s plastic materials are also often recyclable, which shrinks their ecological footprint.
Manufacturing its products in line with high environmental standards is extremely important to Rittal. Certifications and ongoing optimisation of the product carbon footprint emphasise the company’s commitment to protecting the climate.
The production of plastic enclosures is normally a less energy-intensive process than the manufacture of metal enclosures. According to a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), manufacturing plastics generates lower CO2 emissions per kilogram on average than extracting and processing metals – a key advantage for companies that have firmly established sustainability as an integral part of their business strategy.
Economic advantages – cost-benefit analysis for plastic enclosures
The economic advantages of plastic enclosures are based on a combination of efficiency and cost savings. Their light weight reduces transportation and installation requirements, resulting in shorter assembly times and lower personnel expenses. What’s more, their durable, low-maintenance materials minimise downtimes.
Another impressive feature of plastic enclosures is their excellent resistance to chemical influences, which means there is no need for expensive repairs or replacement investments. Compared with conventional metal enclosures, this results in above-average potential savings throughout the entire lifecycle.
Rittal – your partner for plastic enclosures
Rittal has decades of experience in developing high-quality plastic enclosures that impress thanks to:
- Certified quality (e.g. UL, CE, ATEX, RoHS)
- Flexible interior fit-out
- Sustainable production (e.g. recyclable materials, energy-efficient production)
- Global availability and local consulting
The combination of hardware, software and services means bespoke solutions – from planning all the way through to the after-sales service – are possible for any sector.
Summary: Plastic enclosures – the smart solution for efficiency, reliability and sustainability
Plastic enclosures combine numerous benefits that make them the ideal choice for today’s industrial and engineering businesses. Their excellent corrosion resistance and adaptability and the straightforward integration of digital technologies ensure maximum operational reliability and efficiency.
Their lightweight design reduces installation and maintenance costs, while their durability helps achieve sustainable production targets. Companies benefit from a future-proof solution that offers the optimum combination of functionality, cost-efficiency and sustainability – a clear competitive advantage for industry 4.0.
FAQs
1. What are the advantages of plastic enclosures over metal enclosures?
Plastic enclosures combine a corrosion-resistant, lightweight and electrically insulating design with excellent versatility. They are particularly suited to aggressive environments and outdoor areas.
2. In which sectors are plastic enclosures used?
Typical areas of use are the maritime industry, wastewater management, transport infrastructure, photovoltaic installations, and the oil and gas industry.
3. Are plastic enclosures suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, they have a weather-resistant and UV-resistant design and offer protection from moisture, dust and aggressive chemicals, making them ideal for outdoor areas.
4. Do plastic enclosures meet safety requirements and the specifications of technical standards?
Yes, they meet the requirements of relevant certifications such as UL, CE, ATEX, IEC Ex and UL HazLoc for use in challenging environments.
5. What economic benefits do plastic enclosures offer?
They are lighter, reduce installation and transportation costs, require minimal maintenance and have a long service life, all of which cuts operating costs.
6. Are plastic enclosures sustainable?
Yes, modern plastics can often be recycled and the manufacturing process produces fewer CO₂ emissions than in the case of metal enclosures.
Dr Dirk Pieler
Executive Vice President Business Unit Industry Solutions at Rittal
With his many years of industry experience, Dirk Pieler is helping to advance the digital transformation and automation in enclosure manufacturing.