WHICH GRP ENCLOSURES ARE BEST FOR YOUR INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS?

WHY GRP ENCLOSURES FOR ELECTRONICS?

GRP (glass reinforced plastic/polymer) enclosures offer excellent chemical resistance, making them perfect for applications such as oil/petrochemicals and industrial manufacturing. Their weather resistance also makes them popular for renewable energy (wind/solar), telecommunications, water/wastewater treatment, aerospace and transportation.

ROLEC’s glass-reinforced polyester enclosures are resistant to a wide range of chemicals including acids, alkalis and solvents. GRP is inert to many chemicals so the enclosures can withstand direct contact without deteriorating – and they’re very robust thanks to the high impact resistance of polyester. This combination of durability and chemical resistance extends the life of the enclosures – safeguarding vital electronics in key sectors.

WHICH CHEMICALS CAN GRP ENCLOSURES RESIST?

The specific chemical resistance of GRP depends on the type of resin used, as well as the concentration and duration of exposure. Here are some common chemicals and substances to which GRP enclosures are typically resistant:

• Acids – including sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and acetic acid. This resistance makes them suitable for applications in chemical processing and wastewater treatment.
• Alkalis – such as sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and potassium hydroxide, making them ideal for use in chemical and industrial facilities.
• Solvents – including acetone, ethanol, isopropanol and various hydrocarbons. This quality is advantageous in laboratories and manufacturing processes.
• Oils and fuels – the enclosures can resist exposure to oils, diesel, gasoline and other hydrocarbon-based fuels, making them great for use in automotive and fuel-storage applications.
• Water – GRP enclosures are inherently waterproof and resist moisture, which is important for outdoor applications, marine environments and water treatment facilities. But there are varying degrees of ‘waterproof’ so you should always check the IP or NEMA rating.
• Saltwater – GRP enclosures are highly resistant to saltwater, making them an option for marine and offshore applications.
• Chlorine – resistance to chlorine is important for applications in swimming pool equipment and water treatment.
• Ammonia – GRP enclosures can withstand exposure to ammonia, which is commonly used in refrigeration and industrial processes.
• Cleaning chemicals – GRP enclosures are often used in applications where they may be exposed to cleaning agents and disinfectants, such as those in healthcare and food processing.

ROLEC’S IP-RATED GRP ENCLOSURES

ROLEC has long manufactured glass-reinforced polyester enclosures so all our models are tried and trusted – proven to cope with a broad spectrum of challenging outdoor and industrial environments. There are three models:

• polyTOP (IP 66, IP 67 optional, NEMA 4) – CSA USA, DNV-GL, UL certified
• polyDOOR (IP 66, NEMA 4) – CSA USA, UL certified
• polyKOM (IP 65) – DNV-GL certified.

All ROLEC GRP enclosures are moulded from glass fiber reinforced polyester that is halogen-free for safety. Plastics which contain halogens can release toxic gas when burned, creating a fire safety hazard.

Get the full specifications of the glass reinforced polyester used in ROLEC GRP enclosures. Download the datasheet >>

VERSATILE polyTOP GRP ENCLOSURES

Popular polyTOP is an extremely versatile range of polyester enclosures, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. The lid is secured with a choice of polyamide fixing screws:

• slotted (standard)
• triangular to help prevent tampering
• square – again, to deter tampering
• hand screws for fast and easy access.

Inside, there are M6 fixing pillars for PCBs, terminal rails or mounting plates. The enclosures have V-0 flammability resistance. Watertightness is provided by an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) O-ring gasket.

There are 12 sizes to choose from, ranging from 3.23" x 3.23" x 2.36" to 15.91" x 15.91" x 6.30". It’s worth noting too that polyTOP has compatible assembly dimensions with our aluNORM range of diecast aluminium enclosures – enabling you combine benefits from both ranges.

HINGED-LID polyDOOR GRP ENCLOSURES

Smart polyDOOR offers the benefits of polyTOP – tough GRP construction, UL 94 V-0 flammability resistance – but adds a hinged lid for easy access to the electronics for inspection and maintenance. Like polyTOP, the enclosures are rated to IP 66 – providing complete protection against dust ingress, and also protection from temporary flooding (such as in heavy seas). But unlike polyTOP, polyDOOR does not offer IP 67 protection against immersion in shallow water.

It’s the hinged lid that’s the key feature: the hinges are integrated for added strength and enhanced aesthetics. Again, there is a choice of lid screws: slotted, triangular, square or hand screws.

But unlike polyTOP, polyDOOR can be specified without or without a display window as standard. If you want one for polyTOP, you’ll need to specify it as a custom feature. ROLEC polyDOOR is available in eight sizes ranging from 4.72" x 5.51" x 3.94" to 7.87" x 12.60" x 4.72".

SMART, SIMPLE AND COMPATIBLE – polyKOM GRP ENCLOSURES

Looking for something simpler in GRP? Try polyKOM. It’s a basic GRP enclosure and therein lies its charm (and cost-effectiveness). It may not have a display window, hinged lid or choice of lid screws as standard – but it’s very solid and dependable. And it still offers IP 65 ingress protection.

The big selling point of polyKOM – aside from its strength, practicality and price – is that it’s available in 15 industry-standard sizes from 2.95" x 3.15" x 2.17" to 15.94" x 15.75" x 4.72". This makes it very easy to upgrade from your existing enclosures when the need arises. And should you need lid hinges (or mounting brackets), they’re readily available as accessories.

COMPARE ROLEC GRP ENCLOSURES AT-A-GLANCE

• Which enclosure is the largest? polyTOP (15.91" x 15.91" x 6.30")
• Which enclosure is the smallest? polyKOM (2.95" x 3.15" x 2.17")
• Which offers the best ingress protection? polyTOP (IP 66, IP 67 optional, NEMA 4)
• Which models offer a choice of lid screws? polyTOP and polyDOOR (slotted, triangular, square, hand screws)
• Which offers a hinged lid as standard? polyDOOR
• Which offers a display window a standard? polyDOOR
• Which is best for compatibility with industry standard sizes? polyKOM (polyTOP has compatible assembly dimensions with diecast aluNORM)
• Which model is the most cost-effective? polyKOM

SPECIFY CUSTOMIZED GRP ENCLOSURES

You can specify all ROLEC GRP enclosures fully customized to your exact requirements. They can go directly to your production line ready for the installation of components – saving you time and money.

ROLEC’s customisation services include machining, engraving, custom colors (powder coating or wet painting), display windows, assembly of accessories, and photo-quality printing of legends, logos and graphics.

GET EXPERT TECHNICAL ADVICE ON GRP ENCLOSURES

Need more information? Contact us for expert advice.  And remember to ask about requesting samples so you can see ROLEC’s high quality for yourself.