Handheld control cases for rough environments

15 June 2005 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

For some time, design engineers have been demanding more robust handheld enclosures with greater internal space for components such as large graphics displays, sealed cable glands, membrane keypads, mechanical keyboard assemblies, data storage devices and emergency stop switches.

OKW answered these market demands with the Hand-Terminal cases. These tough enclosures are manufactured in a new type of impact-resistant material, which is a blend of ABS and polycarbonate and is rated UL 94 V-0. Two standard colours are offered: off-white and black.

Hand-Terminal cases offer electronics engineers many unique design features: firstly, the top panel is wider than the base section, which provides a large display and keypad area for greater functionality, without making the unit too big to hold. The top panel can also be ordered with a closed operating area or a removable aluminium control panel. Secondly, the base section has a deep area at the top end for larger components such as emergency stop switches. Thirdly, the hand grip area is narrow, formed for comfortable holding, and it also contains the battery compartment. As a result, the weight of the batteries is balanced in the hand, so as not to put a fatiguing load over the user's wrist.

The external dimensions of the Hand-Terminal cases are 220 x 120 x 65 mm. The cases can also be sealed to a high degree from ingress of water and dust with an IP 65 sealing kit accessory. Optional screw-in battery compartment cradles are available for one or two 9 V cells or four 1,5 V AA cells. The top and base mouldings include a large array of screw fixing pillars for mounting the components inside.

Typical applications will include machine controllers, outdoor data-collection units, mobile terminals, flowmeters, programmers and more.

Further reading:

Soldering day highlights
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
JAPAN UNIX has published a new event report and highlight video from their UNIX SOLDERING DAY 2026 in Hungary. This event reflects on their commitment to supporting manufacturers not only through soldering automation systems, but also through technical education, live demonstrations, hands-on training, and practical engineering know-how.

Read more...

---

Clearing the Static: Electrostatic Discharge
Actum Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
A cordless ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) wrist strap does not work by grounding the person in the same way as a traditional wired wrist strap. Instead, it works by reducing or balancing the static charge on your body so that you are less likely to discharge electricity into sensitive electronic components.

Read more...

---

Engineering trust in South Africa’s SMT sector
ZETECH ONE Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
From a small Johannesburg start-up to a trusted SMT technology partner, Zetech One has spent four decades helping South African electronics manufacturers improve production quality, efficiency and reliability.

Read more...

---

The new reality of PCB material supply
Jemstech Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
How resilient manufacturing strategies are helping OEMs navigate a changing global supply chain.

Read more...

---

Streamlining Device Programming with the AutoBee-D1
Vepac Electronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The AutoBee-D1 desktop automated programmer is designed to simplify the programming of devices, while delivering consistent accuracy, high throughput and reduced manual intervention.

Read more...

---

Zero PFAS die attach paste
Testerion Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
With silver price volatility increasing and sustainability requirements accelerating across semiconductor assembly, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions introduces ATROX CD 560-1, a zero per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) alternate silver filler die attach paste.

Read more...

---

Precision jet printing for advanced PCB designs
MyKay Tronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Mycronic’s BA 01 small dot ejector delivers unmatched precision in solder paste jet printing for advanced PCB designs.

Read more...

---

Strengthening local electronics manufacturing through investment and innovation
Microtronix Manufacturing Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Microtronix South Africa cements its commitment to local manufacturing with ongoing investments in production capacity, skills development, and job creation.

Read more...

---

Polypropylene pole-top boxes support smarter, more secure electricity networks
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from Power Process Systems (PPS) is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.

Read more...

---

200 W of power in a space-saving design
Vepac Electronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The Hakko FX-972 Soldering Station delivers high-performance soldering in a compact package, making it suitable for a wide range of soldering applications.

Read more...

---