Your electronics may benefit from a NEMA-rated or IP-rated extruded aluminum enclosure. An aluminum electronics enclosure offers better heat dissipation than plastic, and some enclosure series offer built-in card guides for fast and easy installation of printed circuit boards. In addition, some models offer distinctive colors and style, making your design stand out in the marketplace.
Extruded aluminum boxes are frequently used for portable and desktop applications including small network devices, audio amplifiers, maker designs, and measuring instruments.
Read more about Bud Industry’s aluminum enclosures.
During manufacturing, hot aluminum is extruded through a mold to create a tubular structure which is then cut to length and finished with plastic- or die-cast end caps. The aluminum body is continuous and provides complete protection against moisture and dust. The end caps have gaskets that seal tightly. The result is a very cost-effective enclosure that provides strong protection for PCB and associated electronics.
Extruded aluminum has the advantage of being available in colorful anodized finishes. Combined with stylish molded end-caps, an extruded enclosure box is a great choice for desktop and factory control applications where appearance is important.
Extruded aluminum is thinner than die-cast aluminum, and it has less rigidity. Nevertheless, for relatively small enclosures, extruded aluminum is perfectly strong, tough, and resists deformation. A die-cast box has thick walls that act as a heat sink. However, the extrusion manufacturing process makes it easy to add ridges that provide more area for heat dissipation.
All of Bud’s extruded aluminum electronics enclosures include card guides that allow easy slide-in installation of standard PCBs, no screws required. End caps are easily attached using a screwdriver. Plastic end-caps are easily modified with cutouts. For these reasons, extruded aluminum boxes are popular with DIYers.
For in-cabinet applications, models are available having convenient DIN rail mounting. The aluminum body helps shield components from electromagnetic interference, simplifying installation where components are crowded.
Bud’s DMX Extruded Aluminum Enclosure is DIN rail mountable and suitable for washdown. Optional clear and infrared covers are available, facilitating control applications. They have card guides for multiple PCBs. These enclosures can be ordered in custom lengths and modified at the factory to user specifications.
Bud’s colorful EXN Series of extruded aluminum enclosures can be used as free-standing units or be wall-mounted mounted via an optional mounting bracket. Buyers have a choice of plastic or die-cast end caps, including clear and infrared plastic.
