Seeking a cost effective IP67 Enclosure, without using O-Rings

I have a desire to install this in an orchard with harsh chemicals (pesticides, fertilizer) and get at least five years of useful life from the design. Want to avoid O-rings, as they weather, and I don't know the chemical composition of all the pesticides and fertilizers used. Need to withstand occasional water (it will be outside, in the rain, but not submersed).

PCB size can be flexible - the design is about 6 square inches in size.

Needs to be transparent to Bluetooth Low Energy internal antenna (IE, not EMI protection).

Thanks,

wjenning

0 michaelkellett over 10 years ago

The 7 in IP67 means that it can stand immersion in 1m of water.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_Code

This about right for rain - and I've never seen it done in an enclosure that can be opened up again without using O rings or squashy seals. If you smear the seal with silicone grease (not too thick but everywhere) it will seal better and gain some protection from whatever wets it. Choose a box where the seal is protected by the plastic as much as possible and possibly use silicone rubber seals (but ideally you need some idea of the chemicals to choose the best seal material).

Some metal boxes are sealed with cork gaskets but I've not seen this in a plastic box.

MK
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0 dougw over 10 years ago

You can try exterior silicone caulking, it can be "opened" if needed without damaging your case.
It may be a good idea to place a dessicant inside to eliminate condensation during thermal cycles.
Make sure your plastic case is rated for more than 5 years of UV exposure. Might be worth painting it with a reflective exterior paint.
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0 gadget.iom over 10 years ago

You haven't mentioned much about the design and accessibility requirements, but have you considered potting all/parts of the device in epoxy?
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0 e14 Contributor over 10 years ago

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