Polyurethane case combines function with style

A Norse Precision Castings product story

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Apr 23, 2003

Moulded at room temperature, rigid polyurethane is highly fluid, with exceptional ability to form complex three-dimensional patterns to near net shape.

Today's high technology electronics sector needs fast and precise data on the ability of selected individual devices to handle the design parameters and deliver the required performance.

Accent's DIVA dynamic I(V) analyser, does just that, simulating the design conditions, checking outputs and interfacing with a PC to report/record results for a wide range of semiconductor devices.

Quality is paramount, style a refinement, and Norse Precision Castings of Bedford, responsible for manufacturing the enclosure in rigid polyurethane, input on both.

Moulded at room temperature, rigid polyurethane is highly fluid, with exceptional ability to form complex three-dimensional patterns to near net shape, using minimum draft angles, to enable the accurate reproduction of the designer's style.

Polyurethane exhibits a high degree of precision on the recesses, coping well with the intricate hole patterns and the shallow recessed logo, as well as low tolerance on warp and overall fit.

The "velvet touch" external finish with silk screen printing and internal metallic coating for EMC/RFI screening are used to good visual and functional effect, adding to, rather than restricting the artistic style and performance.

The absence of high temperatures during the processing means even delicate items such as electronic parts, as well as metal inserts etc can be encapsulated without risk of damage.

By selective strengthening of areas of potential stress, a component can be designed to meet dimensional and styling requirements yet retain optimum size/weight ratio.

Moulding techniques at Norse Precision Castings allow wall thickness from 1 to 30mm with tolerances as low as +/-0.3mm, producing parts requiring few or no secondary operations.

Polyurethane machines well however, using conventional cutting machines and the high electrical insulation at 130Tohm/cm is an added bonus.

The benefits of polyurethane come without the loss of the commercial advantage of plastics, with low cost tooling made quickly and capable of supplying several thousand components and considerable life duty.