SIMCO Disclosures

We discuss all things to do with plastic enclsoures and thier applications in the electronics industry.

Expander for Discover Series Enclosures

April 4th, 2014

The expander is able to solve the minor difficulty of designers and engineers of their handled devices being too large for the original Discover series, by providing height to an already functional product.

Simco’s Discover series has become known for its innovative enclosures that are specifically designed to fit small-sized electronic devices. They offer impressive protection from the wind, water, and air pollutants and are available to fit the customer’s needs. However, with its new line in the Discover series, Simco delivers a product that fits the needs of customers with bulkier hand-held electronic devices.

Expander specifications

The Discover enclosures themselves are built at a height of 1.40”. The EXPANDER rings add an additional .5625”. This gives the entire enclosure a height of almost two inches. This large size is enough to fit almost any handheld device available on the market today.

Simco’s expander for the Discover series can be added to any of the Discover enclosures with little installation. The Discover series has a panel and is screwed in with two screws. The EXPANDER ring is installed as simply as the rest of the enclosure. It fits snugly around each side of the enclosure and is held in place by four plastic screws and clear self-adhesive. The parts necessary for installation come included with the product.

These rings come customized as well to allow either a unique appearance with contrasting colors or a simple matching color. They come in the same colors as the enclosures; sand, dark grey, PC bone grey, and black.

Additionally, the EXPANDER rings come with a customized design for both top and bottom. The 36SXRB comes with a sloped top, an XPANDER, and a plain bottom. The 36SXRDB comes with a sloped top, an XPANDER, and a deep bottom. The 36XR9VB comes with a sloped top, an XPANDER, and a 9V battery bottom. The 36TXRB comes with a plain top, an XPANDER, and a plain bottom. The 36TXRDB comes with a plain top, an XPANDER, and a deep bottom. The 36TXR9VB comes with a plain top, an XPANDER, and a 9V battery bottom.

The XPANDER itself also has a unique style. In addition to the multiple available colors, it comes lightly textured. It can also be molded with any of the high-impact materials that the enclosures are made of. Because most of these molds are scratch resistant, it will increase the durability of the XPANDER ring.

With the new XPANDER ring as an option, Simco’s Discovery series has become an ideal enclosure for almost any hand-held electronic device. This includes remote controls, portable equipment, and keypads, among other options. Its wide range of functional options and multiple designs also give it a customizable experience that will please any customer.

Electronics Enclosures Make for a Wise Investment

March 28th, 2014

We hear it on the news every day – the economy seems to take one step back for every step forward. You made it through the toughest part of the recession and now you’re finally in the position to upgrade your employees’ computers, and you’re able to get your field team those handheld devices that you know will speed up receiving payments from customers as well as give your team a competitive advantage. You worked out the budget perfectly, but then you hear about electronics enclosures, and you start wondering two things – what are they exactly and why should you buy them?

Think about the following scenario. Your loyal office manager works hard, and he also loves to keep the plants in the office looking healthy. One day he’s watering the spider plant over Jane’s desk and he gets distracted by co-workers talking about how exciting that playoff game was. Suddenly he overfills the flower pot, and water trickles down onto Jane’s computer. He quickly moves the computer out of the way, and that prevents any water from getting inside. But what if that had happened over the ventilation slots? Jane’s computer would have been toast, and so would her big presentation for the head office she was going to give on Friday. This is one place a plastic enclosure comes in handy – protecting precious computers from dust, dirt, and water so that your data is safe and your devices run better, for longer.

Here’s another reason you need electronics enclosures. In any office there are multiple electronic items, all of which emit a slight amount of radio frequency. Add all of those devices up, and you end up with the potential for those multiple radio frequency waves to interfere with your computers or field testing devices. False readings or the inability to read information correctly can be quite problematic. Computers that lose data can cost your company business and revenue. Enclosures can protect all of your electronics from these types of problems.

Electronics enclosures come in a number of shapes and sizes. From flat-bottomed enclosures perfect for wall mounting to pocket enclosures great for small devices, field equipment cases to large enclosures for computers, enclosures can protect your investment for a modest sum, and save you from having to buy expensive new equipment so often. Mounting brackets and static-proof Plastite^® screws mean you can affix your device to a wall or shelf, keeping it safe from movement, or getting it up and out of the way in tight spaces.

Custom enclosures can also be manufactured just for you and your specific device. Send a prototype or an engineer’s concept drawing in and your enclosure can be modified, no matter the size or shape. No chance for your device to rattle around inside, it will fit perfectly, nestled into its home. Ask about expansion panels or access ports for easy battery changes.

Then again, if you need something right away, you can order some of the many pre-made units as described above. In less than a week, your devices will be sheltered from the elements and protected for years to come.

Companies like SIMCO also make sure their products adhere to REACH and RoHS regulations in the EU, and OSHA requirements in the US. This way you can be sure your electronics enclosures were made in such a way that they will not be harmful to the Earth, or to you.

Utility boxes now to be found at SIMCO

March 20th, 2014

Simco has developed a line of utility boxes specifically designed to meet the customers’ needs. These utility boxes can be customized to fit the enclosure needs of any small electronic device and offer protection from wind, rain, and air pollutants. The newer Discovery boxes have dimensions measuring 2.97”W x 4.82” L x 1.30” H.

Discovery series utility boxes can also be customized. There are four standard utility boxes models provided by the company. The 35CB features a contoured top and solid bottom. The 35TB features a plain top and a solid bottom; the models with solid bottoms are ideal for machining or tooling. The 35CBA features a contoured top with battery access on the bottom, and the 35TBA features a plain top with battery access on the bottom. Any of these utility boxes designs can be customized using low-cost tooling inserts to fit the customer’s needs.

Saturn and Discovery Series Enclosures at SIMCO

March 17th, 2014

The Saturn series was developed in Simco’s ninth year of operations. Saturn featured an innovative design with simple features. Model 160X23 was the first model developed in this series. Made of material designed especially for high impact, the Saturn quickly rose in popularity as a means to protect electronic devices. The Saturn series also featured inch-thick walls and flat tops and bottoms with rounded corners. Simco now has developed additional sizes in this line with the same product features that customers loved when the original was developed.

The Saturn series features flat, simply designed bottoms and tops. The bottom and top of the Saturn enclosure fit snugly together and can be secured using four stainless steel screws. These screws are included with purchase of the enclosure. The newer sizes are also modeled after this simplicity.

Custom Plastic Enclosures Secure – Devices for an Affordable Price

March 11th, 2014

Providing protection for your computers and other devices is an important part of your overall network. One easy way to do this is to encase your devices in custom plastic enclosures. These enclosures are made from a molded plastic based on plans or a prototype of your item that you need to protect. The rounded edges and soft color (if you so desire) will make it a complementary piece of your office, not just a necessity. The sturdy ABS plastic will also be long lasting.

Enclosures are reasonably priced, so your entire office can be taken care of. The lightness of the plastic means the enclosures can be used with portable devices, too. Should you have to move offices, enclosures can ensure that your computers will not be knocked about and damaged as a result. The plastic used in manufacturing can also come with UV protection, so your items will not face damage from the sun or overhead lighting.

Custom plastic enclosures should meet the requirements as outlined by the European Union in the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals Directive, or REACH. This regulation was enacted to ensure that any chemical products entering the EU in excess of 100 tons are registered with the appropriate agency. This helps regulate chemical use so that the Earth stays cleaner. There is also the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, or RoHS, that your product should comply with. This regulates the proper handling and use of six common yet hazardous chemicals used in electronics manufacturing.

Not only should your enclosure be made safely, but it should also provide you a level of protection against toxic fumes being emitted, which you otherwise would have to be breathing in.

A plastic enclosure can shield your device from electromagnetic or radio frequency interferences, too. These waves of energy can wreak serious havoc on electronics, causing gaps in information transfer or interfering with the paths of the circuits. When you are having your enclosure designed, be sure to include any ports you need cut into the plastic so that your cords and cables can be plugged in and not leave any areas unnecessarily exposed to energy waves, dust, or other environmental agents.

Some of the custom plastic enclosures you can have made include computer cases, portable device cases, DIN rail boxes, utility boxes, and potting boxes. Potting provides an exceptional level of shock protection for your circuit boards, and it shields boards from corrosion.

Your custom made enclosure can even have your company logo printed on the case or etched in, so that your new case can be even more functional than before.

When you buy directly from the company that produces the custom plastic enclosures you have two benefits. The first is being able to communicate with them exactly what you need so that you get just what you want. You have a person you can talk to who will make sure your order is just right. The second is the cost saving that comes from not having to talk to a designer and then have that person ship the design to an outside firm.

ABS plastic – what is and what is it used for?

February 17th, 2014

ABS Plastic Pellets

What is ABS Plastic?

ABS plastic is a thermoplastic whose name in its entirety is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Acrylonitrile is an important compound that is used to create polyacrylonitrile, a plastic that is used to make tents and sails for boats. When its fibers were spun it became one of our first acrylics. Dupont used some of the copolymers to create the fabric called Orlon.

Butadiene is a monomer that results in synthetic rubber. While butadiene alone is so soft it is almost a liquid, when it is combined with other materials, such as styrene or acrylonitrile it becomes more durable and almost elastic in consistency.

And last but not least, styrene, which is an oily liquid that had its origins as the resin that came from trees in Turkey. Although small amounts of styrene can be found in many plants and foods, like cinnamon, it was the Oriental sweetgum trees where it had its beginnings.

What is ABS plastic used for?

While each of the components of ABS plastic add their own level of importance, together they create a product that is flexible and light in weight that can be molded into many items that we use in our everyday lives and a few items that may surprise you.

At Simco ABS is used in the creation of our molded plastics. It is a material that is easy to work with while providing a final product that maintains its shape and is resilient in nature. In addition to molded plastics ABS is used in drain pipe systems and plastic clarinets. It plays a part in piano movements and bumper cars that you see at the county fair. Because of its durability it’s perfect for luggage and many common appliances that you will find in your kitchen.

Next time your child plays with their Lego set you will see one of the more fun (and popular) applications of ABS plastic. When ABS plastic is ground to less than a micrometer it is able to be used as a colorant for some of the inks used in tattoos. If you see someone that has a very vibrant tattoo, it is probably from the inclusion of ABS in its melted state.

Was ABS the culprit?

While the properties of ABS plastic make it one of the most vital substances on the market today, there is one area where it failed miserably. ABS does not fare well in sunlight. Its application in the latches and mechanisms of the seatbelts that were installed in vehicles in 1999 may have caused the most widespread and expensive recall on record in the U.S.

The injected ABS went through the process of photo-oxidative degradation which caused the plastic to become compromised. It was said that the exposure to sunlight caused the mechanisms to fail. But interestingly enough, the debate began that the engineers didn’t make the mechanisms strong enough to withstand the constant opening and closing of the latch. The final results remain inconclusive.

There are so many plastic products that have to endure sunlight and exposure to the elements on a daily basis. For that reason UV absorbers and light stabilizers are added to ABS products to make sure that they provide the durability we have come to know and rely on from this fine line of plastics.

Audio Adapters XLR – designed by Studio 1

October 14th, 2013

Studio 1 has designed a new generation of XLR audio adapters for audio engineers, videographers and professional camera operators. Five models are available and allow the operator to record audio to two separate audio tracks, or they can be used as an audio mixer. The units have a belt clip to afford easy access to the controls and hands free operation. They can also be used with steady cam devices and jib arms, or be mounted directly to the tripod head.

Studio 1 designed its XLR Audio Adapters in the 160X25 SATURN enclosure. SIMCO machines the cutouts needed for Studio 1 ‘s assembly requirements and pad prints the sharp graphics for a totally customized appearance. The BC-1 Belt Clip completes and enhances the unit.

In addition to providing enclosures to Studio 1, SIMCO also assists in fabricating Jib Arms and Boom Poles for Studio 1 ‘s special requirements in our own machine shop.

David Knarr of Studio 1 says ”We never worry when we place an order with SIMCO. We know we ‘re always going to get quality parts delivered on time, every time. ”

Studio 1
Orlando, Florida
Ph: 407-812-1225 – Fax: 407-812-4580
www.studiolproductions.com

One piece belt clip – developed at SIMCO

October 14th, 2013

The new One Piece Belt Clip that was developed recently by SIMCO is winning accolades from customers and design engineers worldwide.

The cleverly designed One Piece Belt Clip is the ultimate in simplicity. Unlike other belt clips that usually require drilling or punching holes in the enclosure and assembly of several small components the new SIMCO Belt Clip requires minimum installation. No drilling, no rivets or extra screws are needed, and no complicated assembly instructions. The one-piece belt clip has molded-in screw posts for positioning neatly within the existing case screw bosses. Assembly is completed utilizing the same Plastite® fasteners that are used to secure the case.

The design of the new product is such that it provides the lowest possible profile and maximum curve for spring retention. The clips are molded of high-impact ABS and have a lightly textured finish and rounded edges. The end result is a Belt Clip that is durable and aesthetically pleasing.

The part number for the new Belt Clip is BCl. In addition to the ENDEAVOR enclosures that are mentioned on page one the BCl Belt Clips will fit these four SATURN enclosures: 100X23, 100X25, 160X23, and 160X25.

PC BOARD MOUNTING BOSSES

October 13th, 2013

A frequent problem that design engineers face when trying to fit a product into an off-the-shelf enclosure is the placement of PC board bosses. They never seem to be in the right place to secure the circuit board, or else they are in the way of other components.

Knowing this to be an ongoing concern, SIMCO has developed several solutions for these problems.

The PMB125 is a universal mounting boss that is designed to bond securely within an enclosure with MEK or other bonding agent. These bosses can be located wherever needed for board placement. The board is held in place with easy to use push on fasteners or removable spring clips.

Some SIMCO enclosures can be molded with or without PC board mounting bosses. The DISCOVERY Series is a good example. These handheld cases have provisions for board placement between the screw bosses, leaving open space within the units for more circuitry. However, if additional mounting boss provisions are required the cases can be ordered with molded in PC board bosses.

For those SIMCO enclosures that do not have the option to be molded without PC board bosses, such as the CHALLENGER Series, SIMCO can remove any bosses that are in the way.

Whatever your assembly requirements might be, why not let SIMCO assist you? Sometimes all it requires is a simple tooling modification. Contact SIMCO’s Engineering Department for more information.

PC BOARD SCREWS

Once the PC board mounting boss and board placements are determined, a means to secure board to boss is required. Again, SIMCO offers a ready solution; a special thread forming Plastite® screw designed especially for thermoplastics.

The Plastite® PC board screws feature a steep helix angle that seats the screw in half as many revolutions, to reduce assembly time. The narrow threads and steep angle penetrate deeper into the plastic reducing stripping or pulling out The TriRoundular design minimizes radial stress and the boss failures that stress can cause.

The Plastite® screws are used to assemble all SIMCO enclosures. They eliminate the need for metal inserts and are cost effective. The Phillips head zinc screws have a baked clear chromate finish to prevent rusting.

Order number for the PC board screws is S14. The #4x .250 screws are packaged in bags of 100. To order contact SIMCO’s sales department.

Send today for a copy of the SIMCO Product Selection Guide describing the many SIMCO enclosures and accessories that are available from stock. Samples are available on request.

SIMCO enclosure colors

October 13th, 2013

Q: I recently requested a SIMCO enclosure in Beige and was told that Beige was being discontinued. Is this true and if so what colors will be available?

A: Yes, Beige has been discontinued as a stock color for SIMCO. The GE Color #82073 Beige is being replaced by a softer, more subtle shade called SAND. SAND was chosen for its more neutral coloring and its appeal in the computer and medical industries to blend in with other business machines and instrument housings. We will still offer BEIGE as a “special” color. Samples of the new SAND color are available on request.