BOPLA Gehäuse Systeme GmbH (Bünde, Germany) has chosen Xantar® polycarbonate
from DSM Engineering Plastics for the available clear covers of its family of
Bocard plastic electronics enclosures. The clear panels of the covers are made
of Xantar 22 R 01001 resin. The covers meet IEC 529 IP65 specifications,
sealing out dust and minimizing ingress of low-pressure water, thanks in part
to the resin’s excellent dimensional stability. In addition, the long-term
clarity of Xantar allows visual monitoring of equipment housed in the Bocard
enclosure, while the resin’s impact resistance helps prevent breakage and
incursion by objects. Xantar meets UL-94 V2 @ 1,5 mm ratings, and the 22 R
01001 grade provides good flow and excellent mould release for ease of
production.
“BOPLA’s cover is yet another use of Xantar in the electrical and electronics
segment,” said Frank Hartmann, account manager for DSM Engineering Plastics in
Germany. “We worked with BOPLA’s design team to produce a high quality cover
that is both long-lasting and economically produced. Our materials are used in
a wide range of applications, including sockets, wall outlets, connectors,
lighting and enclosures from premier manufacturers globally.”
BOPLA produces flexible, modular designs for a broad range of enclosures,
electrical and electronic components marketed worldwide. The Bocard enclosure
line is offered in three sizes, each in two depths, and each with a variety of
cover options, both clear and opaque. It is marketed to users of measurement,
control and industrial and home automation technologies.
The Bocard can be compartmentalized with internal panels to accommodate a
variety of component sizes and requirements. The clear cover is an assembly of
bezel with hinge, seal and lock, and a centre panel of clear Xantar sealed to
the bezel.
“We depend on Xantar properties,” said Friedhelm Spilker, process engineering
for BOPLA. “Our customers benefit from clarity over many years, as well as
dimensional stability to maintain a good seal. In turn, we benefit from
moulding efficiencies and DSM’s technical support.”
DSM’s Xantar polycarbonate is suitable for a wide range of applications and
can be converted using all common processing techniques. The product line
consists of general purpose, flame retardant, reinforced and stress crack
resistant modified grades as well as specialty grades developed for specific
application areas. DSM Engineering Plastics has been producing polycarbonate
products for more than 30 years.
