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Housings

An enclosure or housing is an outer shell that contains and protects internal components of a device or system. Housings provide mechanical support, alignment, protection from dust and moisture, and in some cases thermal management and EMI shielding.

Common materials include metal housings made from aluminum, steel, or cast iron; plastic housings from polycarbonate,

Key features: flanges, mounting bosses, gasket channels for seals, threaded holes, cable glands, connectors; features for

Types: closed or hermetic enclosures; weatherproof or waterproof housings; explosion-proof housings; IP ratings; NEMA ratings; outdoor

Applications: motors, gearboxes, pumps, electrical control panels, sensors, cameras.

Design considerations include size, material, thermal management, sealing, EMI shielding, corrosion resistance, serviceability, and compliance with

ABS,
or
fiberglass-reinforced
polymers.
Manufacturing
methods
include
die
casting,
sand
casting,
CNC
milling,
turning,
extrusion,
and
additive
manufacturing.
Finishes
include
anodizing,
painting,
or
powder
coating
for
corrosion
resistance.
mounting
bearings
or
gears
inside;
cooling
fins
or
ventilation
paths;
seals
and
threads
to
permit
ingress
protection.
housings;
instrument
enclosures.
standards
such
as
IP
codes
(IEC
60529)
or
NEMA
ratings;
selection
depends
on
operating
environment,
mounting,
and
component
compatibility.