The ability to maximize the use of factory floor space without sacrificing durability is a top-tier concern for manufacturers in today’s industrial landscape, especially given the continued trend of retrofitting existing spaces for warehouse automation. This is where wall mount industrial enclosures that prioritize both versatility and reliability can help manufacturers optimize production.
However, not all wall mount enclosures are created equal, and to truly leverage the benefits of a wall mounted solution, manufacturers need to look for a handful of specific engineering features. Here, we’ll look at three features to look for in the ideal wall mount enclosure, and why these features are key in elevating the efficiency of manufacturing programs.
The right wall mount industrial enclosures can be easily scaled to meet demand
Scaling an automation infrastructure based on demand is just part and parcel of modern manufacturing, particularly as manufacturers need to adjust productivity based on fluctuations in market demand. This means the ideal wall mount enclosures must help manufacturers quickly and easily scale their automation systems without prolonged lead times or disruptions in production.
This ability to scale based on demand starts with an end-to-end digitalization of the enclosure design process for real-time insights and visibility into everything from material sourcing to the creation and alteration of panel and enclosure schematics. This approach also creates a more connected ecosystem that allows for real-time schematic changes that enable downstream alterations to enclosure configuration without costly errors or downtime.
Rittal’s line of wall mount enclosures can be configured and modified in the Eplan suite of Cloud-based design software for a fast, error-free design process that significantly reduces the need for manual intervention. Digital twins and 3D control panel visualization provide panel builders and installers with streamlined workflows for installing power distribution panels and wiring.
Plus, our AX line of wall mount enclosures can be easily accessed from the bottom for easy cable and wiring management, and system expansion can be easily done by adding rails to the door, or on the side of the AX enclosure, even for dynamic loads.
The right wall mount enclosure can support retrofitting for warehouse automation
Retrofitting existing facilities for warehouse automation has become an extremely valuable path for bringing new factories online and the right enclosures can help support the retrofitting process seamlessly integrate into existing automation systems based on demand.
What does the right enclosure for retrofitting for warehouse automation look like? Enclosures designed and engineered for Industry 4.0 and IIoT allow for greater degrees of customization based on unique deployment specifications, and these enclosures also streamline the installation and modification process to help save time and money.
For example, Rittal’s AX enclosure provides simplified, versatile internal configuration for wiring via:
- A variety of mounting capabilities without the need for tooling or machining
- Larger gland plates for more flexible cable entry and wiring
- Easy door and hinge assembly reversal, even with double-door enclosures
The AX enclosure doesn’t prioritize versatility over protection and durability. Available in carbon steel, stainless steel, and fiberglass reinforced polyester, the AX can be deployed in both indoor and outdoor environments with IP 66 and NEMA Type 4X/4/3R/12/1 protection for superior durability and reliability.
The right wall mount enclosure can help enhance safe manufacturing processes
As modern manufacturing becomes more variable, the risk of industrial accidents increases, especially in the form of fires and explosions. While there are certainly precautions and processes manufacturers can implement to combat this risk and ensure safe manufacturing processes, today’s manufacturers need wall mount industrial enclosure solutions that are approved for use in extreme or challenging environments.
Some of the safety features to look for when choosing the right wall mount enclosure for these conditions include stainless and carbon steel construction options; a variety of NEMA ratings; simplified configuration; and ATEX, IECEx, and UL HazLoc approvals.
With Rittal’s new AX Ex wall mount industrial enclosure, manufacturers can enhance the safety of their production programs via the highest level of enclosure safety certifications on the market today. The new AX Ex enclosure offers ATEX, IECEx, and UL HazLoc approvals to accelerate delivery and deployment on a global scale.
What’s more, the AX Ex enclosure can be mounted via external thread inserts without jeopardizing UL environmental ratings. The AX Ex is also specifically designed for deployment in a variety of outdoor, high-risk industrial environments, some of which include refineries, drilling platforms, oil tankers, pipelines, and facilities that use LNG hydrogen.
Aside from these HazLoc certifications, the AX Ex provides superior durability and reliability via UL Type 1; 3R; 3RX; 4; 4X; and 12 environmental protection, as well as UL F1 outdoor protection against UV. The combination of these global safety ratings make the AX Ex a versatile enclosure solution that can help reduce the risk of accidents in a variety of applications.
Rittal’s wall mount industrial enclosures can help manufacturers in any industry create a more agile automation system that can handle the rigors of any application. Learn more about our wall mount enclosure solutions.