METCASE updates UNIDESK Instrument Enclosures to offer More Space

Designers have removed an assembly rail from the rear panel extrusion profile in the area used most by customers for connections, switches and a power inlet.



So now more components can be fitted inside the enclosure and on the rear panel wall, without the need for additional milling of the assembly rail.



But despite the removal of the rail, UNIDESK electronic cases remain as tough and dependable as ever – and now they are even more versatile.



METCASE is the metal enclosures division of OKW Enclosures Ltd. METCASE Sales and Marketing Director Robert Cox said: “You don’t have to know us for very long to realise that we’re passionate about enclosures and real perfectionists when it comes to design.



“So when we saw an opportunity to make a tried and tested design like UNIDESK even better, we couldn’t resist. Removing that one rail creates extra space and makes it easier to fit controls,” he added.



The new design is the latest enhancement for UNIDESK. Last year the range was increased with the addition of black as a standard colour for three new models.



UNIDESK sloping front terminal cases can be used as desktop housings or they can be mounted on walls.



They are perfect as point of sale equipment boxes and for applications such as medical electronics; control consoles for industrial robots and other machinery; test, measurement and calibration.



The enclosures are available in three standard sizes – M200 (200 x 200 x 102 mm); M300 (300 x 200 x 102 mm) and M400 (400 x 200 x 102 mm) – and two standard colours, Light Grey (RAL 7035) and Black (RAL 9005).



The design is simple but highly effective. Each enclosure comprises two aluminium end sections fitted to the front and rear extrusion profiles. Top and base panels can then be added.



The removable base panel includes mounting points for fitting M3 PCB screw pillars. Each enclosure also comes with four non-slip rubber feet.



Accessories include the front panel and wall mounting kit. This kit – comprising two metal brackets – enables UNIDESK to be mounted in three different ways on a wall, panel or bulkhead.



The anodised aluminium front panels can be used to mount membrane keypads, displays and push-button controls. All UNIDESK enclosures are supplied with both M3 and Torx T10 stainless steel fixing screws.



UNIDESK is rated to IP54, as long as the front and base panel apertures are sealed with the four L-shaped foam gaskets supplied with each enclosure.



UNIDESK is available as a custom aluminium enclosure. Its extrusion-based design means it’s easy to manufacture the housings in different widths. Units can also be supplied in a wide range of colours and finishes. Prices start at £91.



Key Features of METCASE UNIDESK instrument housings include:



-Tough and reliable aluminium instrument enclosures available in three sizes (custom widths readily available)

-IP54 protection class with self-adhesive L-shaped foam gaskets for the front panel and base. (PCB fixing holes in base must also be covered)

-Shipped as pre-assembled enclosures

-Flat rear wall, enabling the installation of switches, connectors, power inlets and cable glands

-M3 inserts for fixing base and front panels

-Stainless steel M3 Torx T10 fixings and MS M3 Pozidriv fixings included

-Four non-slip rubber feet

-Recessed front panel for a membrane keypad

-Pre-punched PCB fixing points in base

-Material – aluminium

-Standard colours – Light Grey (RAL 7035), Black (RAL 9005). Powder epoxy polyester paint

-Contents ­– enclosure, gaskets (IP54), base panel, non-slip foot (x4), M3 x 12 mm Torx T10 (x20), M3 x 12 mm (x20), front panel

-Accessories – front panel kit, wall mounting kit, PCB pillars and screw.