Welcome to the CamdenBoss page on element14. Here you can find things such as our latest news, training videos, and product details. Additionally, you can engage with us in our forums.
Electrical enclosures are manufactured to offer a protective housing to an electrical or electronic system. At CamdenBoss we design standard ‘off the shelf’ and custom enclosures ensuring environmental compliance and practicality for a variety of applications and industry sectors.
The electronics and electrical industry is estimated to be worth $7.9 billion by 2023. The range of enclosures on offer is growing to meet the increasingly diverse demands of IoT and Industry 4.0 systems.
Some industries, such as networking applications, have created standardised housing styles such as 19” rack enclosures. The shape and size is measured in industry standard ‘U’ heights. Most rack cabinet systems are built around this industry specific standard and therefore this enclosure series has remained relatively untouched. Therefore, legacy type enclosures are just as important as inventing new ways of doings things.
It is important to consider a few different parameters when selecting the type of enclosure and specification required.
The enclosure material is the physical barrier between the PCB and outside world. Plastic enclosures are considerably more lightweight than diecast aluminium housings. They can be more cost effective and are easy to customise, whilst holding a good level of resistance against impact and deterioration from UV rays. Diecast aluminium enclosures are rugged and offer substantial protection against impact, vibration and corrosion. The heavy-duty construction provides an ideal housing for electronics situated in warehouse environments or in areas where oil and petroleum are present. Sheet metal enclosures offer the ideal housing for desktop instruments and measuring equipment. They can be easily machined for interconnectivity or to offer ventilation. Extruded aluminium cases have the advantage of being available in custom cut lengths with set height and widths. Heat-sink fins can be extruded into the case profile allowing heat transfer without the need to cut vents and thus maintaining any relevant IP ratings.
The introduction of connectivity and networking through wireless electronic systems for outdoor applications in cities or remote environments has created a demand for higher IP rated enclosures.
The newest X series range of heavy duty enclosures from CamdenBoss are available in both an ABS and polycarbonate material with either a clear or solid lid option. Both materials have been tested to withstand impact up to IK08 and offer a high level of protection to the electronics housed within.
Ingress protection should be considered depending on environment and the level of dust and water resistance required. Over-specifying can be more costly whilst under-specifying can lead to the enclosure environmental underperformance.
IP67 rated enclosures offer complete protection against dust and immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
IP65/66 rating would be suitable for environments that could incur high levels of dust but do not necessarily have the threat of direct water.
IP54 is the standard across the industry as a good all-round performance level. It provides adequate protection against splashing water ingress from any direction and limited dust ingress to a level that will not cause interference to electronics housed within.
The X series range of enclosures are compliant to IP67 certification. Part of this range, the X8, ensures your internal electronics remain dry and protected from dust and dirt, no matter what environment they will be used in. A foam gasket becomes pressured once the lid is in place and secure, keeping out the elements. Ideally suited to DIN Rail mounted components, they are a flexible solution for machine to machine controls, human interface equipment, or panel built electrical systems in industrial settings. Clear lids are available in hinged and locking formats, providing rugged and hardwearing protection to your equipment. The dual door accessory is designed to allow components such as buttons, display and switches to be mounted directly onto the internal door.
Making the right choice of enclosure at the design stage can help the effectiveness and functionality of your product. CamdenBoss is a market leader when it comes to enclosure design and support.
For further information contact our sales team on 01638 716101 or visit www.camdenboss.com
The internet of things (IoT) is about enhancing the capabilities of electrical systems which we use on a daily basis either at work, at home or as we commute using various modes of transport. Through the IoT and wireless devices, a more connected world can be achieved with such things as:
Nodes which utilise sensory and monitoring electronics gather information and deliver it to a central hub; this in turn translates data into readable information. On an industrial level, this can provide a manufacturer with the tools to become more advanced in operational efficiency and workforce productivity. Our home IoT devices can enhance our way of life and improve the experiences of day-to-day activities. Adjusting to the new world of Industry 4.0, CamdenBoss has developed a range of enclosures that fit perfectly into the entire blockchain system.
Compliant to IP67 certification, the X series range of heavy duty enclosures, in particular the X8, provides the perfect housing for the centralised hub which nodes can communicate with. The hinged lid allows maintenance through quick and easy access. The potential to mount DIN Rails and DIN Rail systems inside, equips the X8 with an advantage over other housings. The robust, high ingress protected moulding protects the modules inside in almost any environment.
CamdenBoss offer a wide variety of enclosures that are suitable for use as nodes, in particular the 92 and 94 series, the room sensor and the 5000 series. In this article we are focusing on the housings that can be used inside the X8. The CNMB, CDIB and CIM interface supports or complete modules, are all ideal options.
The CNMB is a modular DIN Rail housing available in eight lengths and is ideal for power breakers, network interfaces, condition monitors, HVAC; light and temperature modules and more. The open side terminals allow cables to be joined between other devices that are mounted inside the X series enclosure, allowing complex systems to be built.
Similar to the CNMB, the CDIB instrument case provides a DIN Rail mount solution with the benefit of choosing from either a low- or high-profile housing; depending on the internal space required.
The CIM interface modules come in various options, each with their own applications. CamdenBoss manufactures fuse modules for circuitry protection, RJ45 modules for networking and USB modules for data. Various other diode and relay modules are also available. CIM interface supports are empty DIN Rail mount modules that are available either in custom cut lengths or a modular clip together style as an alternative. The interface supports are perfect for pre-built PCB’s alleviating the need for a protective case.
These heavy-duty enclosures are designed to protect.
Call the CamdenBoss sales team today on 01638 716101 to discuss your next project or visit www.camdenboss.com/x-series
Choosing a standard enclosure doesn’t mean it has to be boring! We can take what may appear as a mundane off-shelf-enclosure and create an enclosure with character, making it your own.
Here are five exciting ways you can ‘spice up’ your enclosure and push beyond the realm of ordinary.
1. Professional CNC milling
An enclosure doesn’t have to be plain if you believe it’s capable of more.
Personalise and give it purpose by adding slots, holes and other apertures. CNC milling can achieve these modifications precisely and effortlessly.
Our CNC centre can accurately drill nearly all types of materials such as metal and plastic; creating any shape you want. It can accurately cut to 0.2mm, performing the most definitive effects.
We can accomplish all of this within small to medium production runs in as little as three weeks, regardless of your enclosure’s complexity!
2. Full-colour digital printing
Why stick to plain, when you can be adventurous and attract attention to your enclosure with colours, patterns and striking visuals?
Try adding labelling text, large block images, logos, photo-realistic images onto your enclosure. Create this with eye-catching results using our full-colour digital printing service.
It’s astonishing what our digital printer can achieve, working with 4-colour process (CMYK) our digital printer makes the most out of colourful single graphics, gradients, overlapping colours and intricate details.
Printing directly onto the enclosure gives it a slightly raised and textured surface, sharpening the design and bringing out the most in EVERY colour.
You may even want to synergise your enclosure with your company’s colour branding, we are able to perfectly match all colour pantones. All we need to know is your company’s pantone and we’ll do the rest.
3. Silicon/rubber boots
Customisation isn’t always about aesthetics, it can be about protecting the enclosure’s functionality and enhancing performance. Silicon and rubber boots can add a splash of colour and form a new dynamic shape; but ultimately, it’s about protecting the enclosure from accidental scratches, bumps and knocks – the day to day stuff.
These stylish accessories add secure grip and protection whilst providing a flexible, soft and silky exterior, complementing the overall look of the enclosure.
We offer several silicon and rubber boot accessories with our standard enclosures (45, 80, 82, 87 series).
4. Engraving
Engraving is often about making a personal statement, and why wouldn’t you want to make your enclosure stand out?
This is a good option if your enclosure is being used for external or high impact environments against the elements; compared to having artwork printed onto the enclosure which could be at risk from being worn away.
Make your mark and create a statement from individual letters, words, logos and stylings that last.
5. Colour/paint finishings
Some of us like to tell ourselves that looks aren’t everything.
Well… if you really want to make your enclosure distinguishable from the rest, a variety of colour and paint finishings that create an illusion of it being something it’s not – could do the trick!
For example, we can take your plastic enclosure and apply a textured finish to make it appear metallic. For small to medium sized items, this unique depth of colour looks undeniably realistic.
These small tips are just simple ways to enhance even the dullest of enclosures. Appreciate the impact of these steps to improve your ‘enclosure game’ and inspire others to do the same.
The merger of CamdenBoss and Smartboxx places them at the forefront of the e-mech and enclosure industries
Take it easy at this year’s Southern Manufacturing. Pick up your badge, turn right, grab a coffee.
You’ll then notice something a little different, a combined CamdenBoss/Smartboxx stand (No. G310).
Wander over, have a chat with our sales, tech support and design teams – you can then tick e-mech off your ‘to do’ list.
There isn’t a more comprehensive enclosure offering anywhere, from potting boxes to POS kiosks. You will see off the shelf options customised to your requirements and the full design, development and manufacture tool free ‘Smartboxx’ process, all on one stand.
Whilst you are with us, why not take in our range of UL listed terminal blocks, IP rated circular connectors and switches.
You can get an update on our new product introductions, there will be lots to see. We can also talk about how the operational changes brought about by the merger is shortening your time to market/production lead times and how our increased ‘in-house’ digital print capacity can brand your product.
So, have a wander around the rest of the show, source your electronics and wiring looms and why not come back to us and start the enclosure solution process before you leave and ‘design in’ your terminal blocks.
The recent merger of CamdenBoss and i4innovations' ‘Smartboxx’ brand caused a long-term customer to pose a question…
‘Is there another enclosure manufacturer able to offer such a comprehensive range of products and services?’
When you consider the newly re-branded company’s ability to offer everything from PCB potting boxes to ‘drive thru’ kiosks the answer has to be no (?).
Customers now have a 10 strong design engineering team to call on who are conversant in rapid prototyping, fabricated and mass-produced moulded enclosures. Our engineers are specialists in offering enclosure solutions with the ability to assess the project, market and budgetary demands of customers in diverse markets and applications.
CamdenBoss have traditionally been strong in the standard ‘off the shelf’ enclosure market. Recent changes in operational capabilities and a strong customer focus have re-invigorated the company’s ‘customised’ product offering. Re-purposing modern CNC machinery and additional investment in digital printing capacity has seen a reduction in lead times and increased production flexibility.
The addition of ‘Smartboxx’ has introduced the ability to manufacture enclosures without tooling to the stringent budgetary, compliance and timeframe requirements.
Advances in design and production methods give engineers the ability to reduce time to market whilst having a real input into the development of bespoke enclosure solutions. The ‘no tooling’ method offers the ability to alter design features during concept, prototyping and throughout a product’s lifetime to allow for changing market conditions and compliance criteria.
One of the real changes brought into the CamdenBoss group is it’s use of rapid prototyping techniques. By bringing the capability ‘in-house’, the company now offers a ‘product lifetime’ enclosure solution.
Design and development with a seamless transition from a ‘no tooling’ prototype and medium sized (5000pcs) production runs, through to development of rapid prototyped and vacuum cast samples into large run batch manufacture. Taking an enclosure from concept to mass production all under one roof.
All this may come as news to some people who know CamdenBoss for the comprehensive range of connectors they have offered for 50+ years.
It will therefore come as little surprise that CamdenBoss have not stood still here either.
The company will roll out a progressive ‘new product introduction’ to further address the market needs with its 2.54 – 10.16 comprehensive range of terminal blocks fulfilling the PCB, screwless and pluggable requirements.
These are covered extensively in the new ‘01’ catalogue which brings together for the first time the company’s full e-mech offering. A single resource focused specifically for design and sourcing engineers, provides design relevant information in a new format which mirrors the recently re-launched website.
The re-branding of CamdenBoss, along with the integration of Smartboxx, has given the company an opportunity to take stock. They’ve retained their core strengths, built on them and integrated a design led forward thinking team.
“Our future plans revolve around a progressive new product introduction policy in conjunction with design led solutions.” stated Michael Crowther the company’s new Sales & Marketing Director.
“The ‘01’ catalogue signifies a new start or ‘re-set’ of our business aims. However, when you scratch the surface you still find the core, successful CamdenBoss products and hugely experienced Sales and Technical Support teams".
camdenboss.com (See full product ranges and catalogue)
The X-series offers unbeatable protection against every knock, bump and scrape. The X8, X7 and X6 series are now CamdenBoss’ most robust electrical enclosures with IK09 impact resistance rating. Together with IP66/67 class sealing, the X-series is ideal for indoor and outdoor applications such as control panels, junction boxes and distribution boards.
Each series is available in either polycarbonate or ABS. Polycarbonate is UV-light resistant, when exposed to the sun, the enclosure is less likely to appear faded and worn over time. ABS is a cost effective option for indoor use without compromising on quality. Both polycarbonate and ABS have identical quality ratings.
The X8 series offers something completely different to what customers may expect from CamdenBoss. Available in 16 sizes, the enclosure is fitted with a hinged lid. This type of lid provides easy access into the enclosure, without removing any screws. The lid latches can be fastened securely with a padlock or, for increased security, the lock accessory can be added. For control panels, the dual door allows direct access to the control panel without struggling with screws or latches. The dual door is perfect for utilising CamdenBoss’ 22mm pushbutton switches and E-stops, which can be mounted within the enclosure.
For DIN Rail modules, the X8 series can be modified with precision CNC machining by experienced engineers at CamdenBoss to create transparent slots where vital information and feedback can be visible.
The X7 series features five different sizes with rigid corners, the series embodies strength and is strong enough to deal with any heavy knock, even a forklift clash. Featuring brass inserts, they can be accessorised with PCB and other component mount options such as steel mounting plates and for keeping it cool against the heat, two sizes of vents are available in polycarbonate and ABS.
Hassle-free enclosure knockouts are an important feature of the X6 series, these are industry-sized and provide effortless entries for cables. There are 10 sizes available in this series, each enclosure is fully customisable with steel mounting plates, wall/surfaces mounting brackets and quick release screws. The series also features polarised lids, with a choice of solid grey or transparent.
CamdenBoss’ is excited to offer the new X-series, a completely unique range covering a wide-range of applications, requirements and essentially protecting what matters to the customer.
Call our sales team on + 44 (0) 1638 716101 for more information.
CamdenBoss can always be trusted to deliver professional premium quality products and CamCirc is no exception. The new range of IP68 circular connectors withstand conditions where others fail.
The adaptable range can be used across a variety of industries such as military, medical and broadcasting.
The CamCirc circular connectors have been designed so that they can plug effortlessly together using push-pull technology and are colour coded for the ease of connection, allowing only matching halves can be connected. The connectors have gold-plated brass contacts ensuring a reliable connection.
The range is also chrome-plated to guarantee optimal performance and durability when extreme temperatures, shock, vibration and corrosion threaten their connectivity. Even under stress or load, the circular connector will not disconnect.
The range features 4 body sizes, 3 to 19 poles in various styles and 6 socket options.
Explore the full range here.
CamdenBoss delivers a trusted and ideal interconnection solution that endures the elements when pushed beyond limits.
Call our sales team on +44 1638 716101 for more information.
The picture above shows a new product which is now available from CamdenBoss.It is a screwless pluggable terminal connector system - so no screws on the female plug - and clips to hold the plug in position.
This offers a much quicker method of installation than a screw flange and offers the same level of phyiscal bond.
For a full datasheet see our documents section.
There has been a recent growth in the availability of screwless versions of many of the terminal blocks we offer. Screwless versions of standard PCB terminal blocks such as CSTBV1 have been around for a while and we are now offering screwless pluggables such as CSTB9208 and the very small pitch CSTBA45C.
So what are the advantages of a screwless block?
