Industrial Enclosures: What They Are and Why Modular is Best
Industrial machinery and equipment can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions. If left in the wrong environment, things like dust, vibrations, and heat can disturb the manufacturing process, or worse, cause damage to the equipment itself.
Industrial enclosures help solve this problem by creating a clean and controlled space wherein the equipment can do its job. In this article, we’ll cover what industrial enclosures are, where they’re used, and why modular construction is ideal for enclosing such valuable equipment.
What Are Industrial Enclosures?
Industrial enclosures are essentially structures built to house or surround a piece of machinery. Their main purpose is to protect that equipment from various environmental factors, keep workers safe from said equipment, and help create the right conditions for the machine to function well.
Industrial enclosures, and especially modular ones, can be made from a whole variety of materials, depending on your specific needs. Some common materials in modular enclosures are aluminum, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, steel, glass, polycarbonate, vinyl-clad gypsum, composite panels, and more.
What Are Some Applications of Industrial Enclosures?
As you might expect, industrial enclosures can be used for many different kinds of machines and environments. Below are some of the most common applications (as well as the benefits they provide) that we see at MachineEnclosure.com.
CNC Machine Enclosures
CNC machine enclosures help seclude their processes and shield the machines from dust and changes in temperature or the environment. Also, in storing raw materials in the same temperature-controlled enclosure as the CNC machine, you can keep the materials stable.
Laser Room Enclosures
Similarly, laser room enclosures are built around laser cutters and other engraving equipment. These rooms help keep workers safe from laser exposure, reduce the number of airborne particles, and maintain the conditions required for the work.
CMM Enclosures
CMM enclosures are, as you might expect, used to protect coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) from vibration, dust, and temperature fluctuation. These machines are extremely sensitive, so the enclosure helps ensure that measurements remain accurate.
EDM Enclosures
Further, EDM enclosures are another common application. They essentially create a controlled space for electrical discharge machining (EDM). Since such machines often work on very fine tolerances, it’s absolutely necessary to keep a constant temperature (so the parts do not expand or contract) while also reducing contaminants as much as possible.
Pump Enclosures
Another common application we see is pump enclosures. These help extend the life of fire suppression or water systems, and they can also help the equipment stay clean, dry, and properly ventilated.
Automated Machinery Enclosures
Finally, we can also create enclosures for various kinds of automated machinery. We have many customization options, and they can be designed to surround robotic systems, conveyors, and other automated machines. These enclosures can help you reduce noise, control dust or contamination, and keep workers safe.
Why Modular Enclosures Make the Most Sense
If you have to choose between traditional construction and modular for your enclosures, you shouldn’t have to think too hard. Traditional construction can take months, if not years, and it is especially painful to deal with when you’re uncertain about timelines. With modular enclosures, it’s not necessary to deal with uncertainty and drawn-out timelines. Because parts are built off-site, it creates undeniable advantages:
- Quick Installation: With modular, there’s no need to wait for contractors. Most modular enclosures can be installed in days, not weeks.
- Customizability: Each enclosure can be specifically designed for your machine/application. We can build around pipes, add viewing windows, create HVAC systems, and more.
- Easy to Move/Expand: If your production line shifts or your needs change, a modular enclosure can be taken apart, moved, or even adjusted and re-customized, something that would be impossible for traditional construction to handle.
- Great Return on Investment: Modular enclosures last for years (sometimes 30 or more), and you can reuse the same panels for different layouts down the road, should you require.
Bottom Line
In short, industrial machinery benefits from protection, both for the equipment itself and for controlling the environment around it. Modular enclosures can help you guard expensive machinery quickly and with a custom fit. At MachineEnclosure.com, we build industrial enclosures to match your space, equipment, and your goals.
Interested in setting up new enclosures? Reach out to the experts at MachineEnclosure.com today to get a quote on new buildouts:
FAQs About Industrial Enclosures
1. Can enclosures include lighting or electrical systems?
Yes, absolutely. Most industrial enclosures can be outfitted with overhead lighting, power outlets, data ports, and other electrical integrations. These features are built into the walls or ceiling panels without exposed wiring.
2. Are modular enclosures fire-rated?
They certainly can be. At MachineEnclosure.com, we offer enclosures made with Class A fire-rated materials when required. This is especially important for businesses that handle flammable materials or require additional fire protection.
3. Can enclosures be built around existing equipment?
Yes, of course! One of the biggest advantages of modular construction is the ability to work around your current layout. We can design enclosures that fit over and around equipment that’s already installed, without needing to move it or stop production for long periods.