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Changing Viewing Angles On Instrument Enclosures

Viewing angles are critical for instrumentation enclosures. Users need to see detailed data on small screens. And if the angle isn’t right, sooner or later it becomes a formula for tired eyes. Not ideal for people who need to maintain a high degree of concentration in their work.

But here’s the issue: most standard instrument enclosures have 90 degree vertical fronts rather than sloping ones. They are not inclined at all.

Solutions? There are three…

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Specify An Advanced Instrumentation Enclosure With A Sloping Front

Why has creating an instrument enclosure with a sloping front been such an issue for manufacturers in the past?

It’s because the process of designing a sloping front bezel for a folded metal enclosure is actually much trickier than it sounds. In theory, diecasting a front bezel that fits perfectly with a sheet metal case really shouldn’t be a big issue. But in practice getting the angles and gaps right is harder than the default 90-degree option…so most manufacturers choose the path of least resistance.

Consequently, sloping fronts tend to be associated more with desktop enclosures where, rather than using a bezel, the flat front panel is screwed directly into the main case body. But this risks leaving visible screwheads – and medical and laboratory electronics designers need something more sophisticated.

There is also another issue. Instrument enclosures are traditionally sold in smaller volumes. This has dissuaded manufacturers from embarking on significant investments in R&D. They would rather stick with the status quo of a vertical fronted enclosure.

But at METCASE we obsess about enclosures. And we love a challenge. So we created TECHNOMET SL…

Simply developing a instrument enclosure with an 18-degree sloping front was not enough though. We wanted TECHNOMET SL to be the ‘Rolls-Royce’ in its rarified niche… Creating TECHNOMET SL meant developing flush-fitting bezels (and combining sheet and diecast aluminium) in a modern, cohesive design that’s more akin to a smooth-looking moulded enclosure than a traditional angular metal case.

Add to that a choice of PCB installation methods – each case has M3 mounting pillars and the option of slide-in guides – and TECHNOMET is already proving extremely popular. Clients have been asking for bespoke sizes and versions.

View TECHNOMET SL here >>

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A Tilt/Swivel Carry Handle That Doubles As A Desk Stand

But what are the other options?

All METCASE portable instrument enclosures have a neat party trick. Their carry handles can be indexed to create a handy desk stand. They can be adjusted in 30 degree increments so you can find your perfect viewing angle.

Tilt/swivel carry handles are available as a standard option on four models:

  • New TECHNOMET – our most customisable portable instrument enclosures; available in eight sizes from 75 x 225 x 200 mm to 150 x 350 x 275 mm
  • UNIMET-PLUS – its internal chassis offers positions for PCB guide rails (making it quick and easy to slide circuit boards in and out); front fixing screws are hidden beneath covers
  • UNIMET – as UNIMET-PLUS but without guide rails; instead the PCB is mounted on pillars
  • INSTRUMET 19” – available in 10.5” and 19” widths.

Enclosures with Carry Handles >>

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Tilt Feet For Instrument Enclosures

Tilting TECHNOFEET are the simplest and most cost effective way to cant your instrument enclosures. They are hinged so you can change the viewing angle from flat to raised.

These universal tilt feet are always in demand because they can be retrofitted to any instrument enclosure (METCASE or non-METCASE). Two moulded pins on each foot locate in pre-drilled holes. Then the foot is secured using a self-tapping screw. One screw per foot; installing enclosure feet doesn’t get much quicker than this,
No wonder they’re one of our most popular accessories for metal electronics enclosures.

View Enclosure Feet Kits >>

Get More Information

METCASE is a specialist manufacturer of standard, customised and fully bespoke aluminium electronic enclosures. Get expert technical advice here.