Our partners Rittal have been producing compact enclosures for the automation control cabinet market since 1961, where the company became the first to mass-produce the idea with the launch of the compact enclosure AE. To this day, Rittal remain the market leader and the most widely accepted producer of compact enclosures, but Rittal are keenly aware that in order to remain at the forefront, 2020 marked the year where their signature AE and KL products would take the next leap into the future.
Introducing the KX small enclosure and AX compact enclosure, Rittal’s natural successors to the long-running KL and AE products. These innovative new products are designed to accommodate the ever-changing landscape of technology in Industry 4.0 and the modern trends it brings.
KX Small Enclosure
To accommodate for new accessories designed for the KX, support rails can now be mounted either on the integrated perforated mounting strip or, for better utilisation of the enclosure depth, directly on the enclosure’s rear. The enclosure panels are now digitalised by introducing QR codes, which simplify their incorporation into the production workflow, and is a new feature also found in the AX as standard.
An advantage of the KX is the gland plate mounting which includes automatic potential equalisation. This is ensured by two self-tapping screws that are guided through special holes to establish contact.
All the data required for planning, engineering and automated production processes becomes available in high quality, and works in tandem with the Rittal Configuration System. For the smaller yet reliable solution to your automation system, the KX small enclosure could be perfect for your control cabinet.
For maximum safety and security of the technology stored inside, the KX uses specifically designed edge folds in its framework, while the internals are set up to provide earthing and cam locks ensure the protection category is maintained.
AX Compact Enclosure
Compared to its predecessor, the AE, Rittal’s all-new AX Compact Enclosure also offers 30% more room for cables and offers the same cuts to assembly time. With more space being provided by the AX than with the KX, this is the enclosure to consider when you have a greater amount of automation equipment to house and protect.
Used only by the AX is a unique mounting plate, which is easy to attach simply by inserting (or removing) from above. QR codes on all the panels that are to be machined enables seamless, digital monitoring from goods receipt through to completion.
The AX offers maximum safety, with integrated locators, effective corrosion protection, and additional accessories. Mounting plates also can be retrospectively earthed via machined keyholes on the mounting plate. Folded edges surrounding the KX give the small enclosure a protection category of up to IP 66, and protection class IK 10. Special holes in the gland plate automatically ensure potential equalisation during screw-fastening, which saves time and materials as well as improving safety.
Finding the right solution
Both the KX small enclosure and the AX compact enclosure are at the forefront of equipment housing and protection, and both serve their own unique purposes. While this is largely defined by the size of the automation system inside, each solution also brings their own distinct advantages to the table. If you need any assistance in choosing the right enclosure for your business, speak to our team and we’d be happy to assist in any way we can.