Composite electrical box

Posted by AKeson on May 14, 2009 in application, SMC | 0 comments

One of the composites applications that I found in a junkyard was a composite electrical box.  It was discarded from a former use as an enclosure for electrical equipment in an industrial factory.  Other than some minor discoloration and all of the holes from conduit, it is as good as the day it was new.

The advantages of using composites in this application include non-conductivity, protection from impact, and the ability to resist corrosion in tough environments.  This is why it has outlived it’s factory setting.

Composites enclosure

An item like this where it has a good surface finish on both sides is going to be made in a set of matched-mold dies in a high-pressure and high-temperature press.  It is likely to be manufactured with the Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) process, though Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) could also be at work.

Electrical panel enclosure

You can see on the front door all of the holes from its former installation.  Holes on the side were used as well.  It was customized for its application with all of the holes, and a new unit would arrive “blank,” without holes, as most applications are customized.  The composite can be cut and drilled with metal working tools such as drill bits, holesaws, and saw blades.

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