What Are Prefabricated Enclosures? Uses and Benefits
When you need to create an enclosure fast, a traditional construction project is not going to be the best solution. It’s slow, messy, expensive, and what’s worse, you never know how long it’s going to take.
Prefabricated enclosures, on the other hand, are far quicker and more efficient (and these aren’t their only benefits). In this article, we’ll walk you through what prefab enclosures are, their benefits (especially over traditional construction), their applications, and more.
What Is a Prefabricated Enclosure?
A prefab enclosure is just what it sounds like, a build that was fabricated “before,” or in our case, in a factory before being delivered. They are typically made of several parts, and are joined together to create a barrier around various kinds of equipment and machinery. As we hinted at already, instead of being constructed on-site, prefabricated enclosures are built in a controlled environment beforehand, and then sent to the job site to be assembled.
Their main goal is to protect the equipment or machinery that they surround, as well as the workers or operators who deal with such equipment. They range in size, and can either be tightly fit around machinery, or as a large room to fit operators and raw materials.
These structures are unique in that they can be customized using a variety of materials, including aluminum, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, steel, various fire-rated or soundproofing materials, and more.
Applications of Prefabricated Enclosures
Prefabricated enclosures are used across a wide range of industries, but some common applications include:
- Pump enclosures
- Cleanrooms
- CMM rooms
- CNC enclosures
- Laser room enclosures
- Automated machinery enclosures
There are almost limitless applications for prefab enclosures, so this is by no means an exhaustive list.
Benefits of Prefabricated Enclosures
If you need to build an enclosure, there are many reasons why you might want it to be prefabricated rather than built with traditional construction methods. Below are some of the top reasons for this.
1. Faster Installation
Because prefabricated enclosures are built off-site, construction is generally not affected by weather or labor shortages. Once the enclosure’s parts arrive, it can be assembled within a few days, depending on the complexity. At any rate, it’s much faster than creating a traditional structure.
2. Fewer Disruptions
Since everything is built in a factory, there’s no need to shut down your normal operations. For businesses that can’t afford downtime, this is of course a major added benefit.
3. Flexibility
Further, prefab enclosures are easily relocated or expanded. A small team can disassemble the building and assemble it into a new layout or it can be brought to a new location altogether. This is great for businesses that need flexibility.
4. Easier Maintenance
Finally, because they are built with prefab parts, they are far easier to remove and replace without demolishing walls. If one of the wall panels is damaged, it’s very easy to simply change it out.
The Bottom Line
Prefabricated enclosures are a fast way to create a space. Not only can they be installed quickly, they’re lower cost than traditional construction, more flexible, and easier to fix. If you’re looking to enclose your equipment or machinery in the most efficient way possible, then prefab enclosures are the best way to protect your machinery and workers.
Interested in setting up enclosures at your location? Reach out to the experts at MachineEnclosure.com for a quote on new spaces today.
FAQs About Prefabricated Enclosures
1. Are prefabricated enclosures customizable in terms of appearance?
Yes, absolutely. For most businesses, functionality will come first; however, many manufacturers (including us) can create exterior and/or interior finishes and colors to help match your facility.
2. Can prefab enclosures be installed indoors?
Yes, definitely. Not all enclosures are for outdoors. Many are designed to be placed within warehouses, factories, or other manufacturing spaces.
3. Are prefabricated enclosures permanent or temporary?
The truth is that they can be either one, or more accurately, both. This is part of the reason many businesses choose them. Prefab enclosures can be built with tough materials that make them last decades or more, yet they can also be disassembled and reassembled at a new location.
