At PSB GmbH, we understand that electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is essential for reliable PC-based systems in demanding industrial and medical environments. Our vast experience in developing and producing custom hardware underscores the importance of robust EMC enclosures for protection against electromagnetic interference and disruptions. Utilizing carefully engineered housing designs, we ensure that sensitive electronic components remain immune to external disturbances, even under extreme operating conditions. The combination of advanced materials, precise filtration, and application-specific construction reflects our commitment to the highest industrial standards. By customizing every enclosure to fit project-specific requirements, we deliver solutions that are both effective and efficient. Our manufacturer-independent, engineering-driven approach consistently achieves strong, resilient systems tailored to diverse customer needs.
What Are EMC Enclosures and Why Do Computers Need Them?
EMC enclosures for computers, also known as “EMV-Gehäuse für Rechner” in Germany, are specialized housings designed to protect sensitive electronic components against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Such interference can originate from diverse sources—industrial machinery, radio transmitters, wireless devices—and can disrupt the operation of computers, leading to data errors, downtime, and even hardware damage. A well-constructed EMC-compliant PC enclosure serves as both a shield and filter, reducing the risk of electromagnetic disturbances entering or leaving the electronic system.
- Why essential? In industrial and medical settings, stringent standards like the EN 66022 and the VG 95373 mandate EMC compliance for reliability, safety, and interoperability.
- Typical Applications: Automation, process control, laboratories, medical diagnostics, and data centers.
- Design variant: Solutions can include enclosures for 19″ racks, customized desktop cases, and industrial PC cabinets specifically tailored for harsh environments.
The increasingly interconnected nature of modern industry means EMC requirements are more relevant than ever. When designing or upgrading computer setups in sectors like oil and gas, reference architectures featuring robust industrial PCs highlight best practices for EMC shielding and enclosure selection.
EMC Measures for Optimal Shielding in PCs
Key Construction Features of EMC Enclosures
Effective EMC shielding enclosures use a variety of construction techniques to minimize both emitted and received electromagnetic noise. Here are the principal measures to ensure rigorous shielding:
- Faraday Cage Principle: Complete electrical continuity around the electronics using metal walls creates a cage that blocks external fields.
- Use of Conductive Gaskets: IP/EMC gaskets made from conductive elastomers or special foams provide airtight and EM-resistant seals, preventing leakage at door and panel junctions.
- Knife-Edge Profiles: These mechanical enhancements facilitate consistent and secure contact between housing parts, critical for high-frequency shielding.
- Contact Springs (Kontaktfedern): Spring elements ensure reliable electrical contact across dismountable joints, vital for movable panels or doors.
- Window Solutions: For applications requiring a visible panel, such as in control rooms, enclosures may integrate EMC enclosures with window using metal-coated glass for effective RF attenuation.
Many manufacturers—including those specializing in cleanroom stainless steel PCs—adopt such strategies for sectors with especially high purity or shielding demands.
Material Selection and Surface Treatments
- Materials: Galvanized steel, aluminum, and metal alloy blends like sendzimir-galvanized mounting plates are commonly used due to their high conductivity and structural strength.
- Powder Coating: While colored powder coatings in RAL shades are possible for aesthetics, only specific formulations maintain surface conductivity—always ensure the coating does not compromise EMV performance.
Comparing Protection Classes and Shielding Attenuation
| Protection Class (IP) | Typical Use | EMC Shielding (Attenuation dB) |
|---|---|---|
| IP52 | Industrial office buildings, dust-resistant | 30–60 dB |
| IP65+ | Outdoor/harsh environments, washdown areas | Up to 80 dB with specialized design |
The choice between protection class (e.g. IP52 or IP65) and required shielding attenuation (specified in decibels, dB, per VG 95373) depends on the risk profile and application. For more on weather-, dust-, or liquid-proof systems, explore fanless industrial PC solutions that combine mechanical resilience with EMC protection.
Assembly and Retrofitting Tips
- Ensure good grounding (potential equalization): All metal parts must be reliably connected to the central ground to avoid floating voltages and improve EMC behavior.
- CNC machining: Modern enclosures allow precise CNC machining for custom cutouts without sacrificing EM isolation; always reseal or protect machined edges appropriately.
- Retrofitting: Adding contact spring strips and swapping non-conductive seals for EMC gaskets can significantly boost the EMC rating of legacy enclosures—follow step-by-step guides from the manufacturer.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Computer EMC Enclosures?
Checklist: Buying Industrial EMC Enclosures
- Compliance: Certification according to EN 66022, VG 95373, and the current EMC directive.
- Type of Use: Is it for lab, industrial automation, communication, or medical technology?
- Construction: Modular (e.g., rackmount workstation), all-in-one, or custom enclosure with window?
- RF Shielding: Proven shield attenuation values for both incoming and outgoing interference.
- Ingress protection: Choose between IP52, IP65 or higher based on environmental factors.
- Ease of Mounting: Tool-free or quick-access designs facilitate installation and future maintenance.
- Customization: Can the manufacturer offer bespoke features like cable entry solutions, special color requests, or additional holes for connectors?
- Cost-Efficiency: Strike a balance between cost and functionality—modular systems and conFORM cases are often more budget-friendly for medium-sized projects.
Download the free EMC enclosure checklist (link available on manufacturer sites) to ensure all critical criteria are considered during procurement. Additionally, utilize interactive comparison tools that let you contrast size, attenuation, certification, and price of prominent enclosures for 2025/2026.
Trends and Custom Manufacturing
- Custom EMC Fabrication: Advanced industrial customers increasingly demand bespoke EMV solutions—from size to cable routing to special shielding performance.
- Smart Windows: More EMC enclosures now offer integrated windows with metallic coatings, balancing visibility and shielding for human-machine interface (HMI) PCs.
- Industry Insights: Leading providers update their industrial PC cabinet portfolios for evolving certification and mounting standards, ensuring compatibility with the latest automation equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is a Faraday cage and why is it important for computers?
A Faraday cage is a conductive enclosure that blocks electromagnetic fields. Modern EMC enclosures for computers use this principle to keep sensitive electronics safe from EMI, following EMC directive standards. - Q: Can EMC measures be retrofitted to existing PC cases?
Yes, with the right components (e.g., contact springs, conductive gaskets, proper grounding) and expert guidance, almost any standard PC case can be upgraded for enhanced EMV shielding. Check for step-by-step retrofit guides from enclosure manufacturers. For rack solutions, see top portable rackmount picks with EMC options. - Q: What is the difference between a regular industrial enclosure and an EMC enclosure?
EMC enclosures are specifically designed with continuous metal shielding, conductive seals, and integrated bonding points for optimum shielding effectiveness—regular enclosures may lack these features and thus not meet EN 66022 or VG 95373 requirements. - Q: Which materials are preferred for EMC enclosures?
Steel (preferably sendzimir-galvanized), aluminum, and copper alloys. Always check for compatibility with the application environment—e.g., stainless steel for cleanroom and food/hygiene sectors, as outlined in cleanroom PC solutions. - Q: How do I ensure compliance with the latest EMC standards?
Select enclosures from reputable suppliers that document certification per EN 66022, VG 95373, and offer test reports indicating verified shielding attenuation. Watch for product updates in anticipation of 2025/2026 regulatory changes. - Q: What special considerations exist for enclosures with windows?
Use metal-coated glass (metallized) or integrate shielding laminates, and ensure that mounting frames provide consistent electrical continuity with the main enclosure to maintain high RF attenuation.
Effective EMC shielding is not just a technical measure—it is a cornerstone of long-term operational reliability and safety for any industrial or medical PC application. With over three decades of experience, PSB GmbH has continually advanced its enclosure technologies to safeguard system integrity and performance, no matter how challenging the environment. Each of our EMC enclosures undergoes rigorous burn-in testing to guarantee exceptional reliability and serviceability throughout its lifecycle. Customers benefit from our engineering expertise, flexible manufacturing processes, and a strong network of global partners that underpin lasting, resilient solutions. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to developing innovative and durable EMC protection concepts that keep our clients’ systems secure, future-ready, and optimally functional.
