SIX GREAT REASONS TO SPECIFY A TOWER ENCLOSURE FOR YOUR ELECTRONICS

HOW A TOWER ENCLOSURE CAN HELP YOU

New TECHNOMET TX tower-style enclosures solve lots of electronics design challenges. The extra space they provide is an obvious advantage – especially when the footprint remains so compact – but there are other benefits too. Here are good six reasons to specify a tower enclosure…

1. EXTRA SPACE, SMALLER FOOTPRINT

This benefit is self-evident but it still warrants further examination. It’s worth noting that even the largest TECHNOMET TX tower has a footprint that’s just 220 mm wide by 300 mm deep. That’s virtually the same size as a sheet of A4 paper. And yet – with a height of 350 mm – the biggest new TX provides 37.50% more space than the previously largest TECHNOMET.

2. IMPROVED THERMAL MANAGEMENT

This may seem counterintuitive but tall enclosures can be more efficient at regulating temperature. It’s easy to assume that wider, flatter enclosures are better at giving off heat. And they are in systems relying on heat conduction or on external heatsinks – especially if there are fans or there is good thermal contact with a  heat-dissipating surface.

But in passive convection-based systems, tall enclosures typically dissipate heat faster because of the improved natural airflow from bottom to top. They make the most of natural convection – potentially saving energy that would otherwise be needed to power cooling fans.

Furthermore, tower enclosures make it easier to create airflow zones or thermal chambers that are ideal for isolating heat-generating components (such as power supplies and CPUs) from more temperature-sensitive components. This improves overall reliability in the device and/or system.

3. EASE OF ACCESSIBILITY

Vertical stacking can help you to reach components, ports and connectors without full disassembly. Access has always been a priority with any TECHNOMET enclosure. Removing the front or rear panel enables you to slide out PCBs in guide rails, or unscrew a board fitted to mounting pillars in the base.

The multi-shelf design of tall TECHNOMET TX allows you to see and inspect more components. Instead of PCB guide rails, TX has shelves (accessories). Each TX can be fitted with up to three or four shelves, depending on which size you specify: 175 x 240 x 280 mm or 220 x 300 x 350 mm (6.88" x 9.44 x 11.02" or 8.66" x 11.81" x 13.78").

4. CABLE MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY

Cabling can be routed more simply in a vertical structure, where gravity and natural routing paths work in your favour. Towers are also better suited to rear or bottom I/O panels and multi-layer wiring harnesses.

The layout of a tower enclosure lets you segment cables vertically according to function. For example:

• base layer – power input and mains wiring
• middle layer – signal processing and control cabling
• top layer – data or I/O interface wiring.

This logical separation helps to avoid signal interference and makes it easier to identify and route cables without overlap. Wiring can run directly between components on different levels with minimal bending or detours. Cable lengths are reduced – minimising resistance and signal loss. You may also be able to eliminate some connection points, meaning enhanced reliability.

5. IMPROVED ERGONOMICS

On a workbench or in a desktop lab environment, a vertical enclosure can keep displays, indicators or user interfaces at eye level. This reduces the need for the user to lean or bend, especially when seated at a workstation.

It improves visibility and user comfort during extended use – enhancing accessibility for real-time monitoring or adjustments. This is especially valuable in testing environments, R&D labs or control rooms where engineers and technicians interact with the unit frequently.

6. SCALABILITY

Scalability is one of the most practical and valuable advantages of tower-style enclosures. Their vertical format naturally lends itself to system expansion, modular design and future-proofing – all of which are key considerations for engineers, OEMs and R&D teams building electronic systems that are likely to evolve.

The vertical format of a tower enclosure provides headroom for future upgrades, whether you're adding extra PCBs or control boards, signal conditioning modules, additional power supply units, I/O terminals or connectors, cooling systems or fans. Expansion doesn’t require more desk or cabinet space, just planning for vertical growth internally: you need to allow some headroom when specifying the housing.

WHY TECHNOMET TX FOR TOWER ENCLOSURES

TECHNOMET is our premium range of aluminium instrument enclosures. Their elegant aesthetics underline the high quality of your advanced electronics. TECHNOMET has a modern cohesive design with no visible fixing screws. Diecast front and rear bezels fit flush with the main case body, creating a smooth appearance.

The new TX variant is the latest addition to the TECHNOMET range. There are ventilation holes as standard in the base and the rear panel, and M4 earth points on all panels. Each enclosure also features side handles and non-slip ABS feet. The front panel is supplied separately as an accessory.

View TECHNOMET instrument enclosures >>

SPECIFY FULLY CUSTOMISED ELECTRONIC ENCLOSURES

TECHNOMET TX – like all METCASE enclosures – can be supplied fully customised, ready for the installation of your electronics. These custom-machined and fully branded housings can go directly from your Goods In to your production line.

Smart design ensures that our enclosures can be easily customised, even in small volumes. This makes them a sound choice for niche applications such as highly specialised instrumentation. Customisation services include bespoke sizes, custom front panels, CNC machining (punching, folding, milling, drilling and tapping), fixings and inserts, powder coating, wet painting and photo-quality digital printing of legends, logos and graphics.

All customisation work is carried out in-house to ensure superior quality and complete accountability. This saves you time and money. It’s also better for the environment because the enclosures don’t have to be shipped between multiple suppliers.

View our customisation services >>

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• Need more help? Contact our sales team for expert technical advice – ask them about our customising services.