Since 1948, Central Metal Fabricators has been a pioneer in gas turbine silencing equipment. We design and manufacture industrial products and components for combustion turbine engines. We can also provide engineering design solutions for sheet metal fabrication, part replacement, and welding services.

With a team of experts and full in-house engineering capability using the latest technologies in sheet metal fabrication, we also specialize in creating customized enclosures and panel doors that fit our customer’s unique requirements.

What is an Enclosure?

An electrical enclosure is a console or cabinet that secures electronic or electrical equipment and prevents electrical shocks. It is typically constructed from rigid plastics or metals like aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. It is also designed to specify environmental protection against dangerous, non-dangerous, and other particular circumstances.

Enclosure panels and doors in various building, manufacturing, and industrial applications protect electrical equipment. They also provide electromagnetic and radio frequency interference shielding for equipment. Moreover, enclosures are frequently used to safeguard the following equipment:

  • Telephone cabinets
  • Panelboards and distribution boards
  • Equipment and systems for pressurization and purging
  • Circuit breakers, control panels, switches, and capacitive

How Does an Enclosure Panel Work?

Backplates and panels are offset from the back of the enclosure, enabling electronic equipment to be assembled without jeopardizing the enclosure’s functionality. Most back panels include pre-cut holes corresponding to the compartment’s mounting bracket. These interior panels can also be detached or supplanted, allowing the components to be serviced without disassembling the entire electrical cabinet. In addition, electrical applications may place many mandates on an enclosure panel for thermal resistance, interference from radio frequencies, and electromagnetic flow protection.

Materials Used in Manufacturing Enclosure Panels and Doors

Metal enclosures typically meet the conductivity specifications for electrical safety bonding and electromagnetic shielding of equipment. On the other hand, non-metallic enclosures may necessitate supplementary configuration procedures to ensure that conduit requirement are correctly fused.

Here are some of the materials that are commonly used to manufacture enclosures:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a type of steel that has been alloyed with metals like chromium and manganese to enhance its durability. It is also highly resistant to stains, scratches, pits, and corrosions that can occur with metallic materials. Furthermore, stainless steel is an excellent choice for enclosures that require extreme durability. Its properties make it an ideal choice for outdoor weatherproof enclosures, and its aesthetic characteristics make it popular for applications requiring a sleek and modern appearance.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is a type of steel that is less expensive than stainless steel, less susceptible to denting, and can be coated to improve corrosion resistance. It is typically used in enclosures for any application that requires the general durability of steel but lacks the extra firmness and polished aesthetic of stainless steel. It is also a versatile metal used in industrial and commercial applications such as device control boxes and circuit breaker cabinets.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight, shiny, and hard metal that is a popular enclosure material because of its toughness, aesthetic appeal, and natural resistance to corrosion and weather. Aluminum enclosures are a suitable option for equipment that require rugged protection in a stylish and lightweight package. They are also ideal for securing devices from electromagnetic interference due to their RF shielding characteristics.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a rigid thermoplastic material that can be molded into various shapes. It is also widely known for its resistance to environmental factors, including dust, water, and corrosion. Moreover, polycarbonate is a popular enclosure material used for everything from control panels to junction boxes.

ABS Plastic

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a type of plastic that balances durability and cost-effectiveness. It is also flame-retardant and easy to customize with custom machined cutouts. Additionally, ABS is ideal for indoor enclosures and consumer electronics, such as key fobs, electrical wall plugs, and potting boxes.

Choose Central Metal Fabricators for High-Quality Enclosures

At Central Metal Fabricators, we pride ourselves in our ability to constantly meet and surpass the requirements of our customers! We also have a QA program and manual compliance with ANSI N45.2 and MIL-I-45208A, guaranteeing our customers long-lasting and cost-effective products.

Our Engineering Department, full of knowledgeable and experienced engineers and drafting technicians, will create customized products to meet your specifications at very reasonable prices. We also offer quick estimates so you can make more informed budgetary and purchasing decisions.

Contact us today for more information or on-site consultation for your needs!