There were a few challenges with developing this enclosure, the greatest being that the components on the board could be moved as the project evolved, eliminating a traditional approach of a plastic box with access holes.  Bud developed two options to solve the problem.  The first, called a “Pi Sandwich” is a simple rectangular box with open sides.  The board snaps into clips to raise it off the base, and then cables and connectors can be attached through the sides.  This solution is perfect for those who only need basic protection and will plan to plug and unplug the cables frequently

The second, known as the “Pi Plate”, is a round two piece enclosure with a large opening in the base.  Again, the board mounts into raised clips, but the cables snake in through the base providing a more secure enclosure.  The top easily twists on and off, requiring no hardware.  It is great when quick access to the components is required.  Both are molded in a raspberry tinted translucent ABS plastic, allowing visual access to the board and its components.

Check out our webpage on this product  http://www.budind.com/view/Plastic+Boxes/Microcomputer+Enclosures or our video on youtube on the pi plate http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhAnIHiJhLo .  Both should be stocked by the end of May.  You can depend on Bud for the most creative solutions to your enclosure challenges.

As with all material choices for enclosures, there are tradeoffs.  The downside of Stainless is its price.  Typically, it is the most expensive NEMA enclosure; it can cost several times the price of plastics and two to three times the price of a traditional steel enclosure.  Therefore, the specifier has to weigh the impervious nature of stainless with the cost to determine if the environment requires that type of solution.  One advantage of Bud is that our stainless enclosures are significantly lower priced than the competition.  We tend to see stainless in situations such as oil fields, medical equipment, or where the equipment enclosed is so valuable that the protection is worth the extra cost. Otherwise, standard steel or various plastics might be a better choice.   Check this site next week for our next material review

Many buyers and engineers often go to a local job shop to buy their boxes.  It is quick and convenient but often comes with hidden costs that can include product inconsistencies, the impact of being a small customer (for prototypes and the like), and high prices.  Many of these same people don’t realize that Bud and several other top name electronic enclosure products and accessories are available through Industrial electronic distributors.  This is a huge value and convenience.  Not only do you have instant consistent price and availability, but you also are placing one purchase order with your supplier of your major components.  Also, as you search a site like Bud’s, they have stock check capabilities on the top right of the home page, and on every product page,  that immediately link you to the distributor’s site for quick ordering.

Today, when time is tight and the pressure is on to get the best product fast at a great price, dealing with Bud and our broad distribution network perfectly aligns with the best supply chain practices today.

I was recently involved in a very unique enclosure situation.  It involved mounting a circuit board, like so many applications, but the enclosure needed to encompass flexibility as the components mounted on the board may shift through the design and early production phases.  This meant that drilling specific holes for the connectors and input/output devices would not be possible, yet the product needed to be produced in large numbers while accommodating the flexibility.  Taking a cue from our large racks, we decided on an oversized box with cutouts in the base.  This would allow the input to be neatly coordinated through the base while allow for their ultimate connection site to be flexible.  It also was a cost effective solution as it did not require the drilling of many various sized holes.

The Bud team is always ready to help find the most creative and cost effective solution at a price that insures the success of your products.  Contact us for answers to any of your enclosure challenges

When I think of change, I think about how many of our customers are involved with automating functions that allow the US to continue to be the most productive country in the world.  I recently was involved with an account that creates products used in the dairy industry, automating milk production by tracking the flow of milk, the quality of milk, and the care of the livestock.  One of their many products uses one of our NEMA 4 plastic boxes to protect these controls in the less than pristine environment that is a barn.  Fully gasketed, manufactured from durable polycarbonate, the pn series of plastic enclosures is one of our top sellers due to the durability of plastic and the consistency of our stocking position.  The combination of low price and high quality attracted them to our units and as their product has evolved over time, they have continued to use this box in their production process.  We  look forward to sharing with you many such product applications as we continue to learn that the demand for Bud product can be limitless.

One of the biggest hits of our discussions was when we advised the customer that we had a free 28 page Enclosure Design Tips Brochure ready for their instant download.  Of course, everyone likes “free”, but most of all, they like the idea that they can get some support in making sure the basics of the electronic enclosures.  Among the features is a chart showing the NEMA ratings, IP ratings, and other standards that can be used in making sure that the proper products are selected.  Other topics include air flow analysis, finishing materials, and the best types of enclosure to use for specific applications.  Download a copy today.

Bud has a dedicated quality team, but our focus has been on building quality into the product, not finding it once it has occurred.  Each member of our team has been educated on all of the issues related not only to the product, but to the tools and equipment that they use.  They understand that a small error on their part can ripple through our entire facility in a variety of ways, delaying products, requiring rework, and most important, inconveniencing the customer.  With ongoing training, lean production techniques, and a dedication to quality, you can be assured that the electronic enclosure you buy from Bud today will server your needs in the years to come.

A big hit at the show was our SRP line of Server Racks.  One comment we heard often from the people at the show is that they are looking to speed the installation process.  Having the fan box and cable management brackets included and already installed was a huge advantage.  Also a big plus was the notches on the mounting rails and the number of the “u” height that made server installation much more rapid and avoided the counting of the holes.  In a previous blog, I highlighted the video for this product, but take a look again at the video.

Another big hit was our Emperor wall mount cabinet series.  These are perfect for those installations where floor space is at a premium or where for safety or security, there is a desire to get the units off the ground.  Similar to the SRP series in looks, they come with fans installed, a shelf, and  glass front doors.  Once again, the features speed the assembly process, cutting costs of installation.

Bottom line, not only are Bud’s server rack and cabinet products among the lowest cost in the industry, but they  further cut costs by having many features included and by providing a turn-key solution to rapid installation.

1. In solid state lighting, the controls for the lighting need to be enclosed and often protected from outdoor or factory environments.  Numerous customers find that fiberglass provides a simple solution to long term exposure
2. Fiber optic distribution, again in the lighting or energy fields
3. In food services, we have customers that locate their controls in the fields or barns to track production where frequent hose down or weather situations require proper protection
4. Climate controls and environmental tracking industries are also a unique niche that fiberglass enclosures effectively support.
5. Solar Energy collection and conversion is a growing application for these electronic enclosures as they can withstand higher heat and yet are not conductive as one finds with metal enclosures.

The market for Fiberglass enclosures is broad and rapidly growing as pricing becomes more competitive.  With durable protection, limited conductivity, and hose down capabilities, they have much to offer.  Don’t forget that we can modify these boxes with cutouts, slots and other secondary operations to improve assembly time and truly provide a turn-key solution.