Protecting vital components from the effects of weathering is an important priority, which is why fiberglass control boxes and high-quality polycarbonate enclosures are designed for indoor and outdoor industrial applications in harsh environments where a high degree of protection and extreme durability are required.
The diverse environmental conditions in areas such as chemical, food, cement, marine, and any other industry where corrosion levels deteriorate the mechanical integrity of metal enclosures, constitute an area of opportunity for Nonmetallic enclosures manufactured in materials such as polycarbonate or fiberglass, which offer a high degree of resistance to the attack of chemical agents that cause corrosion in metals.
There are two main types of fiberglass control box manufacturing. The first is a fiber made from a direct melt process, and the second is a marble remelting process. Both start with the material in its solid form; the materials are combined and melted in a furnace. Then, the molten material is separated by shear stress and rolled into marbles that are cooled and packaged for the marbling process. Next, the marbles are taken to the fiber manufacturing facility. Next, they are inserted into containers for remelting; the molten glass is extruded into threaded spirals (similar to threaded inserts) to form the fiber. In the direct melt process, the molten glass in the furnace goes directly to the forming of the inserts.
The main properties of the fiberglass control box are: good thermal insulation, inert to acids, withstands high temperatures. These properties and the low price of its raw materials have made it popular in many industrial applications. In addition, the characteristics of the material allow fiberglass to be moldable with minimal resources. Fiberglass is also used to make fiber optic cables used in the telecommunications world to transmit light signals produced by lasers or LEDs.
The polymers added to the fiberglass are epoxy or polyester resins that, when the catalyst is added, generate a chemical reaction that cures it giving it hardness and obtaining a structural strength that no thermoplastic can reach. Additionally, the fiberglass is thermostable once cured, so the heat does not deform it. The fiber can be used in CSM (chopped strand mat), which is essentially a fabric in rolls made of loose pieces (different from glass wool which is characterized by its cotton-like, much fluffier appearance), or as a woven fabric (sometimes called a mat). The result is a light and resistant material, rigid, good performance against corrosion and wear, and good thermal, acoustic, and electrical insulation.
You can find different series of fiberglass control boxes reinforced with polyester; they are used for remote connections or to house switches, pilot lights, etc. They are versatile and can be panel mounted and resist corrosion and impact.
Fiberglass control boxes are used in a variety of applications involving diverse environmental conditions. Although frequently used with electrical controls, the enclosure is often used with a combination of electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic power, all packaged within one box. Ample space and a wide range of depths make our boxes a frequent product of choice. Type 12 fiberglass control boxes are designed to resist ingress by spraying oil, water, and non-corrosive liquids and coolants and to protect against the ingress of flying dust, lint, and fibers.
The industrial look and ruggedness of fiberglass control boxes offer the most practical solution for many applications and are suitable for indoor and outdoor environments. In addition, these cabinets are designed for maximum available space for electrical, hydraulic, or mechanical control circuits.
When choosing a fiberglass control box, make sure it is IP69K rated, offering the highest splash protection available. This ensures that the box is dust-tight and resistant to high pressure and high-temperature washdown over short distances.
