Equipment Enclosures: Definition, Features, and Benefits
In today’s world, there are many different types of machinery and equipment used in manufacturing. Each type is different, and so are the individual problems they face. Some may create too much noise, some need to be kept at certain temperatures, and others need to be as clean as possible. With equipment enclosures, you can control the area surrounding it and ensure it operates to the best of its ability.
In this article, we’ll cover what equipment enclosures are, their most important features, their benefits, and more.
What Are Equipment Enclosures?
Equipment enclosures are structures built around machinery, equipment, or other devices to separate them from the surrounding environment. In general, they protect the machinery from various environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, light, and more. They vary in size, and can be tightly made around the equipment, or even the size of a full room. You’ll often see them in factories, warehouses, data centers, and anywhere that machinery needs to be protected.
Important Features and Customization Choices
No two pieces of equipment are exactly the same, so equipment enclosures, and especially modular ones, can be customized in many different ways to create a safe environment for your machinery. Here are a few ways that they can be customized.
Materials
As far as materials go, most enclosures are built using fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), vinyl-clad gypsum, aluminum, steel, glass, and more. Depending on what’s needed, the panels may include windows, special doors (roll-up, swinging, etc.), or other choices. Some walls are designed to be fire-rated or resistant to certain chemicals, and soundproofing options are available as well.
HVAC Systems
For machines that get very hot or need temperature/humidity to be within narrow ranges, enclosures can include HVAC units, fans, and ventilation systems to keep air moving. Some enclosures can even be designed to reduce dust and other particles from entering the space.
Sound Reduction Options
If your equipment is especially noisy, soundproofing is another option (though we mentioned it already briefly). Some enclosures can be made with acoustic panels, foam insulation, or other features to help keep the noise down. This can make a big difference, especially if you have other important work going on nearby.
Machine Access
For any equipment enclosure, you’re going to want to make sure workers have proper access to it. Enclosures can have swing, sliding, or roll-up doors, and many include windows or clear panels so you can see inside without opening them.
Safety Features
Finally, equipment enclosures can also be created with safety features. This can include emergency exit doors, smoke detectors, exit lighting, and more. Many are designed to meet industry standards like OSHA or ISO, depending on how and where they’ll be used.
Benefits of Using Equipment Enclosures
In general, using equipment enclosures has many advantages over leaving the machinery exposed. Here are a few of the top benefits.
Protection from the Environment
Though we touched on this benefit already, it’s worth digging into deeper. Whether the equipment is indoors or outdoors, exposure to certain conditions can cause equipment to wear out faster and not perform the way it should. Enclosures help block out many of these conditions.
For example, dust, moisture, or high/low temperatures can all lead to issues with machinery. With sensitive equipment like CNC machines, even small amounts of dust or temperature changes can throw off precision, so it’s often necessary to enclose them.
Safety
Further, some equipment has moving parts, or can create chips and other debris that could be dangerous for workers. Enclosures help keep these areas contained and reduce the chances of injuries and accidents.
Sound Reduction
Everyone knows that machines can get noisy, which can make it difficult for workers to concentrate, and may even damage hearing. Enclosures help block and absorb noise, making the working environment quieter and more comfortable.
Longer Equipment Life
Finally, when machines are protected from less-than-ideal conditions like extreme temperatures, exposure to dust, or too much humidity, they last much longer. That means fewer issues, fewer service calls, and more time spent actually using the equipment.
The Bottom Line
Equipment enclosures can help protect your machines from damage, reduce noise, and improve safety for workers. They help keep your equipment running longer and more reliably. Whether you’re dealing with dust, heat, or just need a quiet space, the right enclosure can make a world of difference.
Interested in setting up equipment enclosures for your machinery? Reach out to the experts at MachineEnclosure.com to get a quote today.
FAQs About Equipment Enclosures
1. How do I know if my equipment needs an enclosure?
If your machine can be affected by dust, temperature, humidity, or other conditions, or else poses a danger to your workers, then it could be a candidate for an equipment enclosure.
2. Can equipment enclosures be expanded or modified after installation?
Yes, absolutely, and especially with modular. Modular equipment enclosures are designed to be flexible from the get-go. You can often expand them later on, change the layout, or add to the structures later however you see fit.
3. How much do equipment enclosures typically cost?
The price of equipment enclosures is difficult to calculate, as everything depends on the size, materials, and features. It’s best to get a quote based on your specific setup and requirements.
