Boîtier

Boîtier is a French term that refers to a case, box, or housing that encloses and protects a device or its components. Used across engineering, manufacturing, and everyday language, it denotes the external shell or enclosure that provides mechanical support, electrical shielding, and access to internal elements. The word can describe both simple protective casings and more complex housings that integrate mounting points, connectors, and cooling features.

In electronics and computing, the boîtier is the enclosure that contains circuitry, wiring, and often a printed circuit board. It is typically made from metal or plastic and may include ventilation, seals, and guides for mounting. Enclosures are designed to meet requirements for durability, heat dissipation, shielding from electromagnetic interference, and environmental protection, with ratings such as IP (Ingress Protection) or NEMA used to specify performance against dust, water, and other elements. The term is also used for computer cases (boîtiers d’ordinateur) and for hobbyist or industrial enclosures that house control systems, sensors, or power electronics.

In other domains, boîtier refers to the body or shell of a device, notably the camera body in photography, which contains the image sensor and controls but excludes the interchangeable lens. It can also describe the outer shell of consumer electronics, tools, and packaging used to protect and present products.

Etymologically, boîtier derives from the French word boîte (box) with the diminutive suffix -ier, emphasizing its role as a protective container.