Fiberglass is known as silicate fiber that is mainly composed of glass. It is used in a wide range of applications and is often used for commercial and residential thermal insulation purposes. When it comes to fiberglass product creation, it's used to create products such as tent poles, shower curtains, roofing, arrows, boat hulls, electrical enclosures, and automobile bodies. When it comes to fiberglass use for insulation purposes, it helps slow the spread of sound, cold and heat in aircraft, cars, and structures. Some estimates note that fiberglass for thermal insulation purposes can reduce one's energy costs by almost 40%, which makes this product incredibly appealing for homeowners.
Fiberglass Electrical Enclosures: What Are They?
It's likely that you know what fiberglass electrical enclosures are if you're visiting this page, but there could be a few individuals reading who may not have the slightest clue as to what they are or what they do. So to get everyone on the same page, fiberglass electrical enclosures are used for chemical resistance in corrosive applications. By being molded under pressure and heat, the fiberglass is then reinforced with a polyester resin. This detailed production process makes fiberglass electrical enclosures capable of handling dangerous properties that many other products cannot handle. In addition to handling chemical products, they can function indoors and outdoors due to their sturdy frame that is capable of handling extreme temperatures.
Fiberglass Enclosures vs Polycarbonate Enclosures
When comparing fiberglass enclosures and polycarbonate enclosures, fiberglass is miles ahead in almost every category. For example: polycarbonate enclosures are not recommended for situations dealing with organic solvents or environments in which the polycarbonate enclosure is operating in direct sunlight. Fiberglass has a temperature range of -40C to 121C, carries excellent electrical properties, has the ability to withstand loads, is ideal for environments that are consistently wet or corrosive, and can handle impact from outside sources. Fiberglass enclosures also cost less to make or replace in the small chance of malfunction. So considering the perks that come with fiberglass enclosures, it's no shock that many side with the product over polycarbonate enclosures.
Why People Choose Fiberglass Electrical Enclosures
There are several reasons as to why people choose fiberglass electrical enclosures over other products on the market. Aside from being stronger than sheet metal, having a high resistance to rust and corrosion, being safe for installation in areas with high salt content, being flame retardant, or being safe around corrosive materials, people choose fiberglass over other products because:
1.) Fiberglass Offers Design Freedom
Fiberglass has almost no restrictions when it comes to molding, which gives engineers a wide range of possibilities. Engineers can create visually appealing products with fiberglass that are durable and strong. To make matters even better, it's possible to take a multi-piece part (made of fiberglass) and convert it into one piece.
2.) How Fiberglass Appears
A fiberglass enclosure or cover improves the function of the product. With fiberglass, it's possible to achieve any feel or look and the finish comes across as if the product is a high tech item.
3.) Fiberglass Is Cost Effective
Since steel is dependent on what China is charging for the product, one can always expect low prices on fiberglass. In addition to costing less, fiberglass has lower costs when it comes to warranty work and maintenance. If you happen to be storing or shipping fiberglass, you'll find that it cost less to ship (it's light) and it can take a few hits (it's strong).
4.) Fiberglass Has Special Characteristics
What's great about fiberglass is that it's radio frequency transparent and it's non-conductive. If you would like to have your electronics housed and don't want to disrupt their performance or want to protect employees from hazardous materials within the housing, fiberglass is the answer for your housing needs.
5.) Fiberglass Can Absorb Sound Waves
Fiberglass has amazing acoustics. Whether you need meet sound levels or want to lower machine volumes, fiberglass is the answer. Unlike wood, plastic, or metal, fiberglass can contract or expand with stress, cold, and/or heat.
6.) Fiberglass Can Resist Moisture
When fiberglass is exposed to moisture, it doesn't hold or absorb the water. If fiberglass insulation gets wet after or during insulation, the installers inspect is on all sides for contamination. If it appears free of defects, it is thoroughly dried to its full R-Value. After the surrounding areas are inspected, dried, and cleaned, the fiberglass is restored and it regains its original value.
7.) Fiberglass Is Made from Recycled Materials
The fiberglass insulation manufacturing industry is well known for keeping the planet clean. From 1992 to 2000, the industry managed to recycle over 8 billion pounds of post and pre-consumer glass containers. Having an incredibly high amount of recycled content, the creation of fiberglass has eliminated millions of feet in landfill spaces. As for fiber glass insulation, products such as loose fill, roll, and batt insulation products contain up to 80 percent of glass that has been recycled. Other ingredients found in fiberglass insulation include silica sand, which is a naturally renewing source that only has a small impact on the environment during the manufacturing process.
