Safeguard pocket electronics with smart compact enclosures

Pocket electronics carry the same high user expectations as handheld and wearable devices. Any gadget important enough to be carried in clothing for long periods must be compact, comfortable and visually appealing.

Although these devices may not remain in constant contact with the skin, they come very close. Often, only a pocket lining separates the unit from the user, so take great care when specifying the enclosure.

It should be small and convenient with no sharp edges that could snag — just smooth, flowing contours that make the device a pleasure to hold, operate and carry every day.

Versatility is essential because not every user will carry personal electronics in the same way. A pocket enclosure may be attached to a key ring or may need to double as a wearable housing fitted to a strap or belt.

Such adaptability is demonstrated by enclosures such as BODY-CASE (IP 65), designed primarily to fit a standard 18 mm watch strap but equally suitable for suspension from a lanyard or for carrying loose.

The tactile nature of pocket enclosures makes selecting the right materials crucial. Soft-touch plastics such as TPV work well as an intermediate ring between the main body shells. These rings provide ingress protection, improved grip and a stripe of colourful branding.

In enclosures such as award-winning MINITEC, the rings offer much more. Unlike BODY-CASE —which requires an accessory kit to add an optional eyelet — MINITEC’s wide range of permutations includes interchangeable SEBS/TPE sections that enable attachment of straps, lanyards and key rings.

The choice of plastic for the main body remains an important decision. ABS has long been popular because it is reasonably strong (200 joules/metre), offers good resistance to heat and many chemicals and is easy to mould, machine and finish.

However, in recent years, ABS has been replaced by ASA, which has similar properties but is far more resistant to harmful UV rays. This is a valuable feature even if the enclosure is stored safely in a dark pocket. Blends such as ASA+PC also provide improved flammability resistance: UL 94 V-0 compared with UL 94 HB for other plastics.

Moreover, a gleaming traffic white (RAL 9016) ASA enclosure with a glossy finish conveys the elegance expected of modern personal electronics. This sheen makes the housing easy to keep clean, an essential consideration for medical and wellness electronics.

Ranges such as MINITEC, SMART-CASE and DATEC-POCKET-BOX (IP 54) are also moulded in infrared-permeable PMMA as standard. But the absence of PMMA from a range need not be a dealbreaker; there may be the chance to specify it as a custom material.

What type of battery will your electronics require? Enclosures such as SMART-CASE XS are designed to accommodate button cells mounted directly on the PCB for applications such as key fobs for remote controls. Larger SMART-CASE sizes are available for devices using AAA, AA or 9 V cells. This breadth of choice within one enclosure range allows complementary products to share the same design language.

How will your enclosure be assembled? How frequently will it need to be opened? Will it contain medical electronics? If so, the enclosure will require tamperproof Torx screws, a mandatory feature in the healthcare sector.

ROLEC OKW Australia New Zealand Pty Ltd Managing Director Shane Dwight said: “Seek models that offer a comprehensive range of accessories. Practical additions such as charging stations, belt or pocket clips and wall holders can enhance the appeal of your device to end users.”

Virtually every off-the-shelf enclosure will require customisation, typically machining of apertures and printing of legends and logos. Advanced CNC technology has accelerated the machining process, while photo-quality digital printing offers lower set-up costs than traditional methods, making customisation increasingly practical for low-volume orders.

Additional customisation services include lacquering, decorative foils, laser marking, EMC shielding, special materials and assembly of accessories. The best approach is to work with a single-source supplier that can complete all tasks in-house. This guarantees quality and accountability and saves time and money.

For more information, view the OKW website: https://www.okw.com.au.

ROLEC OKW Australia New Zealand Pty Ltd

Tel. +61 2 4722 3388

Email: sales@rolec-okw.com.au