Logistics pallet tracking device housing
30 October 2023
Plastic injection moulding to protect sensitive electronics in a robust environment.
GPS pallet tracking to track and manage pallets in warehouses or in transit
Pallet tracking GPS devices are technology solutions designed to monitor and manage the location and status of pallets or shipping containers in real-time using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. These devices are attached to pallets or containers and provide continuous updates on their whereabouts and conditions throughout the supply chain.
Pallet tracking GPS devices offer businesses greater control, security, and efficiency within their supply chain operations. However, the environment in which they operate is fast moving, and any electronic device attached to a pallet needs a hardy protective housing.
Developing and designing plastic housings for electronic tracking
Developing and designing plastic injection-moulded housings for electronics requires careful consideration of various essential requirements to ensure functionality, durability, and aesthetics.
TEX is a technical plastic moulder used to working to high precision and we can deliver the care and attention necessary when working with sensitive electronics. We’re very experienced with extremely small precision mouldings, as well as insert and overmouldings, and can make products from 1mm in size.
Some key requirements include:
- Functionality and Fit: The housing must accommodate the electronic components precisely, providing secure and proper placement. It should have openings for buttons, ports, connectors, and displays that align accurately with the device's functions.
- Material Selection: Choose a suitable plastic material that offers the desired properties, such as strength, rigidity, flame resistance, and temperature resistance, based on the electronics' operating conditions and intended use.
- Design for Manufacturability: Optimise the design for injection moulding, considering factors like draft angles, wall thickness, gating locations, and undercuts to ensure successful and cost-effective production.
- Assembly: Design features that facilitate easy and efficient assembly of electronic components into the housing, minimising the risk of errors or damage during assembly.
- Environmental Protection: Ensure the housing provides adequate protection against dust, moisture, and other environmental factors that could damage the electronics.
- Heat Dissipation: Incorporate design elements that allow for effective heat dissipation, especially for electronics prone to overheating. This may involve adding ventilation, heat sinks, or other cooling mechanisms.
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Design the housing to minimise electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ensure proper shielding for sensitive electronic components.
- Durability and Impact Resistance: Choose a material and design that can withstand impacts, vibrations, and other mechanical stresses that the device may encounter during use.
- Aesthetics: Consider the visual appeal of the housing to align with the product's brand and user expectations. Surface finish, texture, and colour should be carefully selected.
- User Ergonomics: Design the housing with user comfort and usability in mind, considering factors like grip, button placement, and overall user interaction.
- Accessibility and Serviceability: Design features that allow for easy access to replaceable parts, batteries, or components for maintenance or repairs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the design adheres to relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and certifications for electronics housings.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Balance the design complexity and material choice to achieve the desired functionality while managing production costs.
- Testing and Prototyping: Conduct thorough testing and prototyping to validate the design's performance, fit, and functionality before mass production.
- Sustainability: Consider the environmental impact of the housing materials and design choices, aiming for recyclability and reduced waste.
Collaboration between your designer and engineering team and our DFM team is crucial to address these requirements and create a plastic injection-moulded housing that meets the needs of the electronics while ensuring quality, performance, and user satisfaction.