Polycarbonate enclosures VS. Fiberglass enclosures

In a wide variety of settings, electrical enclosures are essential. They come in a wide variety of sizes and are used to house many types of electronic devices. Controls and indicators such as buttons and screens are part of this apparatus. These items of electrical equipment are protected from the elements by electrical enclosures. Electrical enclosures can also safeguard users. These enclosures can protect potentially dangerous high-voltage electrical components. Electrical enclosures are necessary, but experts need to agree on whether plastic or fiberglass is better for them.

As a generic phrase, “plastic” can refer to many materials, including the polycarbonates commonly used in electrical enclosures. It’s important to note that fiberglass, which is not a polycarbonate, is also commonly used in constructing these enclosures. Therefore, many specialists would argue over “polycarbonate vs. fiberglass enclosures.” As we shall see, each substance possesses both advantageous and disadvantageous qualities. Before diving into the specifics of plastic enclosures, we should all have a firm grasp on FRP and Polycarbonates to choose the best material for the job.

FAMILIARITY WITH FRP AND POLYCARBONATES

Fiberglass-reinforced polyester (FRP)

Various names for fiberglass-reinforced polyester include reinforced thermoset plastic and reinforced thermoset resin plastic. No matter what you name it, it’s integral to various trucking and transportation-related items.

Cost-effectiveness, reparability, the capability to be formed into complicated forms, a smooth interior surface, thermal insulation, resistance to temperature extremes and corrosion, lightweight, and strength all contribute to its widespread application. FRP is essentially just glass fiber and thermosetting polymers.

Polycarbonates

Excellent impact strength, high dimensional stability, and outstanding electrical characteristics are just a few benefits of polycarbonate, a high-performance, amorphous, transparent thermoplastic polymer containing organic functional groups bonded by carbonate groups.

Although polycarbonate and polymethyl methacrylate have comparable properties, polycarbonate is superior due to its greater strength and adaptability to a broader range of temperatures, but it is also more costly. PC is frequently used in mixes because of its high compatibility with other polymers. Because of its tremendous strength, it can withstand a lot of pressure before cracking or breaking. Therefore, it is an excellent alternative to glass due to its lightweight. High pressure melts the PC and drives it into a mold to get the required form. Its eco-friendliness and ease with which it may be recycled have led to its widespread adoption.

COMPARISON OF FIBERGLASS & POLYCARBONATE ENCLOSURES

Enduring Under Pressure

Compared to fiberglass, which can only endure around 225 psi, polycarbonate can sustain impacts of around 900 psi. While fiberglass can shatter on contact, polycarbonate can bend and recover its original shape.

NEMA Rating

Enclosures made of polycarbonate are inherently waterproof and can resist a high-pressure water spray since they are certified NEMA 4X. Regarding ingress protection, the IP67 and IP68 series are the most common options, as they hold up well even after being wholly immersed in water. Polycarbonate cases may be made to withstand salt water and be used in maritime environments.

Aesthetics

Polycarbonate cases also retain their pristine appearance even after being subjected to time and weather, making them a more attractive option than fiberglass. Polycarbonate enclosures from YONGUBOX may be customized to your specifications, including color and design. These enclosures are not painted like fiberglass ones but are molded with colored plastic, so the color is consistent throughout.

Tolerance to Ultraviolet Radiation

Eventually, hydrogen embrittlement will jeopardize the enclosure’s structural integrity as a whole, leading to a system failure of the inside components. It may be necessary to replace either the enclosure or the complete unit, which will involve both time and resources. The layers of injection-molded polycarbonate cases never delaminate. UV inhibitors are put into the polycarbonate used for enclosures so that they may last years in the sun without deteriorating. While the polycarbonate enclosures may have a little “bleaching effect” with time, research revealed that they grew more durable in the field. This effect results from a chemical interaction between the polycarbonate and the sun’s UV radiation.

Modification to the Enclosure

Comparing polycarbonate and fiberglass enclosures, one key distinction is the former’s adaptability to alterations such as hole drilling. When changed, fiberglass enclosures release a cloud of fine dust that is irritating to the skin and potentially harmful to the lungs. Polycarbonate cases, on the other hand, generate harmless little curls of debris that may be brushed away with ease. Because the fibers that makeup fiberglass are interlaced, the material is also more susceptible to split while being worked on. Polycarbonate housings are safe to modify in the field with standard tools.

Weight

There is no consistent weight advantage for fiberglass over polycarbonate. On the other hand, enclosures made of fiberglass have far more substantial walls than their polycarbonate counterparts.

Cost

Both polycarbonate and fiberglass are reasonably priced. However, after you consider everything said above, you may find that fiberglass is a more expensive option for your business. Costs might be increased by transport, the need to perform adjustments and a shorter, less dependable lifespan in the field.

In conclusion, the choice between fiberglass and polycarbonate for constrained enclosures relies on the client’s demands. However, polycarbonate offers advantages over fiberglass in terms of strength, durability, and customization options.

YONGUBOX PLASTIC ENCLOSURES

YONGU is a production firm focused on designing and improving aluminum packaging for consumer use. The majority of the company’s output consists of aluminum housings and containers. On the other hand, we also produce premium plastic enclosures.

Our customers assure us that it is competitive in the marketplace and valuable for running operations. To this end, we collaborate with them to produce watertight and UV-resistant plastic packaging.

Some of the plastic enclosures include

These characteristics characterize them as a group.

Waterproof IP67 and IP68 Plastic Enclosures
Robust and sturdy; designed for prolonged usage.
Choosing a dispensing ring that can withstand both water and dust is recommended.
Die-cast aluminum housing with excellent shock resistance.
The contact between the raw interior surfaces can be used to create conductivity.
Inert to dust, which can prevent damage to your PCB.
The housing and shielding are made of extruded aluminum, and the ABS plastic is impact resistant.

For further information and customized product of your requirements, follow our Facebook for more details: YONGUBOX.
You can also contact us at +86 13326782625 or write us at salesglobal@yonggu-enclosure.com.

Polycarbonate enclosures VS. Fiberglass enclosures