Besides good resistance to most solvents and acids, fibre glass reinforced Polyester is flame retardent and self-extinguishing.

The enclosures are generally used as terminal enclosures or as command and information enclosures in chemically aggressive environments, such as refineries or road tunnels.

PROS AND CONS OF POLYESTER ENCLOSURES

Why polyester enclosures? – MBP

PROS

CONS

βœ… Good chemical resistance ❌ Does not meet high optical demands due to glass fibre content
βœ… No softeners/elastomers in the base material ❌ Higher weight compared to thermoplastics
βœ… Absolutely corrosion-free even under mechanical impact (stone chips and scratches) ❌ Limited choice of colours
βœ… High stability and impact resistance due to glass fibre reinforcement ❌ Low heat conductivity
βœ… UV-stable and weatherproof ❌ Machines with dust extraction system for mechanical processing recommended
βœ… Protective insulation of installed components
βœ… Self-extinguishing and flame retardant

WHAT EXACTLY IS POLYESTER / GRP / FIBREGLASS?

Polyester is also known as glass reinforced plastic (GRP) or fibreglass.

The composite material consists of glass, fibre mats and polyester resin. The resin protects the fibres from external influences and maintains the shape of the pressed part.

In contrast to thermoplastics, polyester enclosures are pressed and not injection-moulded.

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In this process, the pre-dosed raw material is placed in a mould, heated and pressed into shape. After demoulding, polyester enclosures require intensive finishing because excess material has to be removed.


SERVICE: MECHANICAL PROCESSING OF POLYESTER ENCLOSURES

The mechanical processing of fibre-reinforced plastics is always a challenge. The reason is the inhomogenity of the material and the significantly different properties of the contents glass fibre and resin.

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The glass fibres are abrasive and this causes high tool wear. In addition, the material has poor thermal conductivity, which means that sufficient cooling must be ensured during milling.

Special risks arise during manual, non-machine-enclosed CNC-work. The fine dust particles produced during milling and grinding must not be inhaled. Wearing a face mask is strongly recommended.

MULTI-BOX carries out the mechanical processing on special machines with an appropriate dust extraction system.

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DIRECT COMPARISON:
POLYESTER TO POLYCARBONATE & ALUMINIUM

POLYCARBONATE
(SERIES MBM)
POLYESTER
(SERIES MBP)
ALUMINIUM
(SERIES MBA)
Chemical resistance ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Corrosion resistance ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Impact resistance ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
UV-stability ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Flame retardancy ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Full insulated ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Surface quality ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Weight ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Thermal conductivity ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Special colours ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mechanical processing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

POLYESTER-ENCLOSURES MBP

Color information
Cover LIGHT GREY RAL 7001
or BLACK RAL 9005
Base LIGHT GREY RAL 7001
or BLACK RAL 9005
Material information
Material cover Polyester GRP
Material base Polyester GRP
Material sealing EPDM
Material screws Stainless Steel V2 A
Temperature resistance and application areas
UV-resistant βœ…
Permanent operating temperature max. 110Β°C
Permanent operating temperature min. -40Β°C
Permanent operating temperature with special sealing max. 140Β°C
Permanent operating temperature with special sealing min. -50Β°C
Suitable for outdoor use βœ…
Suitable for indoor use βœ…
Technical specifications
Protection class IP66
Flame retardancy UL94 VO
Cover screws V2A captive

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