Outdoor enclosure

[Mich]

I usually work with indoor components so I'm not used with outdoor ones.
We are developing a new product that work near a solar panel.
So the plastic case has to resist to UV and weather, in a temperature range from -25°C to 120°C.
Can you help me?

Thanks

 

[mcgyvr]

yes.. do you have a specific question?

 

[btrueblood]

About 4 threads below yours is one asking about a material for an "outdoor call point". Good suggestion from Pud and others there. If you find them helpful, give them another star.

 

[102006569]

If the application is close to a solar pannel the mechanical properties like impact or flexural modulus are not a major need.
What you are looking is a whetherable material.
If it's an electrical box most probably you will need Flame retardant producct. Is that correct?
I will recommend to take a look in the major Electrical boxes producers.
The material most used is Thermostable (SMC), or PBT with 30%GF.
I will not go for PA GF due the lack of flexibility at low temp ar PC due the lack of UV resistence.
Other solution is to paint tthe box so then you can go even with ABS or ABS/PC.

 

[Mich]

Thanks a lot for you answer.
Yes, the material has to be flame retardant.
I don't know "Thermostable (SMC)", what is it?

 

[patprimmer]

I think he means thermoset Sheet Moulding Compound which is normally a fibre glass fabric that is impregnated with polyester liquid resin that is cured by heat.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376 for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &

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for site rules

 

[Pud]

How big is this box?

If it's to be injection moulded then I would suggest a FR and GF PBT. Good outdoors being a polyester, dimensionally stable (low moisture uptake), used a lot for higher temp electrical stuff. Reasonable cost.

Cheers

Harry

http://www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk

 

[patprimmer]

Heat stabilised FR GF nylon will also work and will be tougher, but less dimensionally stable than PBT. Cost will be fairly similar.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376 for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm

for site rules

 

[Mich]

The box is about 60*40*15 mm and it will be injection moulded.
What about ABS?We have a similar dimension box made by ABS and to reduce costs we are also evalutating if we can use this one outdoor.

 

[Pud]

ABS is crap outdoors (as mentioned, can be painted).

ASA is good, but not sure if FR grades available.

No reason you can't use existing tooling. Parts in either FR GF nylon or PBT will be a tiny bit smaller though.

Of course, PVC is outstanding outdoors and inherently FR. Stainless steel tooling really required though....

Cheers

Harry

http://www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk

 

[Demon3]

There is a grade of FR ASA. It's actually ASA/PC though. One of the Luran SC grades.

Chris DeArmitt

"Knowledge has no value except that which can be gained from its application toward some worthwhile end."
Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill

 

[Pud]

Luran SC = $$$$ (in UK, anyway)

H

http://www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk

 

[patprimmer]

If the mould is already made, the box will probably warp a bit if moulded in any GF material. Some glass/mineral FR nylons or PBT can have similar shrinkage to ABS. ABS is really very poor outdoors. UV stabilised PC is good and stable, but sometimes has chemical attack issues from some very common everyday chemicals.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376 for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm

for site rules

 

[Mich]

Thanks a lot for you support.
Does PBT need anti UV additives or it is naturally resistant to UV?

 

[Pud]

It's pretty good on it's own, but a UV grade would be a bit better.

e.g.:

http://www.matweb.com/search/datasheettext.aspx?matguid=0eba13782f4047a693f7103af19b185a

There's probably thousands of others...

H

http://www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk