TRANSFORM YOUR POCKET ELECTRONICS WITH THE RIGHT PLASTIC ENCLOSURE

HIGH POPULARITY OF POCKET ELECTRONICS

Virtually everyone has a mobile phone. For sheer ubiquity, they’re the ultimate in pocket electronics. And that raises the bar – because users of your pocket-sized device will almost always compare it to their much-loved cellphone.

Is your device as light as their phone? Is it as easy to hold and operate? Does it look as good? Does it truly reflect the sophistication of the electronics inside? All these questions – and more – make specifying the right enclosure critical.

Pocket electronics command almost the same high levels of user expectation as wearables. They may not be in continuous contact with the skin but they come close to it. Perhaps only a pocket lining separates the device from the user. So be meticulous when specifying the enclosure…

SPECIFYING POCKET-SIZED ELECTRONIC ENCLOSURES

Ergonomics matter even more than usual. If a device is too big to fit a human hand, then it won’t fit in a pocket. That’s obvious. However, what is less obvious is that the opposite is not necessarily true: not all handheld enclosures are ‘pocket perfect’.

But the ‘handheld factor’ is certainly a good starting point. The contours that make a well-designed handheld enclosure comfortable to grip will often make it a potential contender for ‘pocketability’.

Size and weight are key, as is the shape. There must be no awkward sharp corners that will snag on the pocket lining (or worse still, gradually wear a hole in it). The enclosure must be light (and yet remain strong). Heavy devices can ruin the look of clothing, dragging and stretching a pocket until eventually the frayed lining parts company with the outer cloth.

Functionality is equally important. Look for enclosures that – despite their small size and ergonomic curves – still have a generous operating area. Is the lid recessed and capable of hosting a small touch screen or a membrane keypad?

Durability matters too. How tough is the enclosure? Does it have sufficient ingress protection? Will it be used outdoors? Does it need to be UV stable? If so, an otherwise reliable plastic such as ABS may not be up to the task. Specify ASA (or an ASA blend) that can better withstand the power of the Sun’s rays.

Aesthetics are always important but much more so when dealing with personal electronics. Again, it comes back to user expectations. Buyers are less prepared to compromise when the device is something they must carry on their person and use day in, day out.

Quality enclosures pay dividends because they showcase your electronics. Cheap, unattractive boxes will always be a false economy because if a user doesn’t like the look of your device, they’re less likely to pick it up – let alone buy it and put it in their pocket.

Other factors to consider include the size of the enclosure range. Do you want your pocket-sized device to match others in a series? If so, you’ll need medium-sized and large enclosures that match the small one you like.

Accessories are important too: does the enclosure range offer a good selection? For a start, does it include a pocket clip, belt clip or key ring eyelet? Is there a docking station for charging and data transfer? Or will you simply rely on a USB port? Inductive charging may also be an option.

Whatever your preferred charging method, you’ll need to think about a battery. So – unless you’re planning an on-the-PCB cell or an integrated power source – think about ranges that include battery clips and plug-in connectors as accessories.

Below you’ll find some great customisable enclosures for pocket-sized electronics. We’ve listed them in ascending size order. There are plenty of these standard housings to choose from (so less customisation is needed)...

AWARD-WINNING MINITEC – OUR SMALLEST POCKET ENCLOSURE

MINITEC might be our tiniest enclosure…but the range is very large indeed. With two shapes (D ‘Drop’ and E ‘Edge’), three sizes and lots of colours and intermediate rings, it’s very easy to specify your ideal pocket-sized enclosure.

One of the secrets of MINITEC’s success is the choice of intermediate rings. These allow the enclosures to be attached to belts, wrist straps, lanyards and key rings. And in the case of the E version, some intermediate rings can be specified with no additional aperture(s) at all – making this version very pocket friendly.

The enclosures are moulded from trusty ABS (UL 94 HB). Infrared-permeable PMMA (UL 94 HB) versions are also available for wireless remote-control electronics. Users can attach the housing to a split ring and store it safely in a pocket with their keys. Enclosure sizes start at 51 x 32 x 13 mm. Accessories include a key ring and a USB end cover.

View the MINITEC range >>

BODY-CASE: WITH/WITHOUT A RECESSED LID

Like MINITEC, BODY-CASE is best known as a wearable. It was designed for fitting to 18 mm standard watch straps (and also to lanyards). Starting at 50 x 41 x 15 mm, these enclosures are small enough to be carried in a pocket or clipped to a key ring.

With glossy ASA (UL 94 HB) shells and a soft-touch TPV sealing ring, these enclosures are very tactile. The ring adds IP 65 ingress protection. It is available in either vermilion (RAL 2002) or lava, contrasting well with the traffic white (RAL 9016) main case.

BODY-CASE can be specified either with or without a lid recess. Assembly is with four tamperproof stainless steel Torx screws, a key design requirement for medical electronics. Other applications include mobile data recording/transmission, emergency call, digital communications, stock and sales logging, measurement and control, safety engineering, leisure/sports – and any jobs where permanent localisation is needed.

Accessories include docking stations and an eyelet/pocket clip kit.

View the BODY-CASE range >>

POPULAR SMART-CASE – GREAT TO HOLD

SMART-CASE’s winning combination of curves and straight lines ensures it sits snugly in the hand – and the pocket. It’s perfect for remote control devices, mobile USB solutions and medical/social care applications.

These ABS and IR-permeable PMMA (UL 94 HB) enclosures are available with or without a recessed top for a membrane keypad, depending on the size specified. The smallest size, XS (58 x 35.6 x 19 mm), is designed for electronics powered by a cell mounted on the PCB. The other sizes – M, L and XL – can all be specified with a battery compartment (AAA, AA, 9 V or 12 V round cell).

View the SMART-CASE range >>

CONNECT DUAL-FACE ENCLOSURES

Yes, CONNECT is primarily a wired enclosure but it can still be specified for battery-powered electronics. These slim, contoured housings slide in and out of pockets very easily so they shouldn’t be overlooked.

CONNECT comprises two shells: one convex, the other flat and recessed. For battery-powered electronics, you’ll need to specify end parts (accessory) rather than the usual cable gland kit(s). Screwless snap-together construction ensures rapid assembly.

There’s no battery compartment option available for CONNECT so power would be via an integrated rechargeable battery. On that basis, the device would need a charging port. Ask us about custom machining one for you.

CONNECT is moulded from tough ABS+PC (UL 94 V-0) in sizes ranging from 60 x 42 x 22 mm to 156 x 54 x 22 mm. There are two standard colours: off-white (RAL 9002) and black (RAL 9005). Accessories include wall holders .

View the CONNECT range >>

SOFT-CASE WIDE-FORMAT PLASTIC ENCLOSURES

Need to house a larger display without compromising on comfort? SOFT-CASE wide-format enclosures give you the big recessed operating area you need – along with ergonomic contours.

There is a raised mounting panel on the wide edge, offering lots of room for connectors. And optional intermediate rings (accessories) provide extra height if required. These rings can be specified in case-colour or matt chromed ABS, or in soft-touch TPE (which adds IP 54 protection).

SOFT-CASE is available with or without a battery compartment (2 x AAA, 2/4 x AA, 1 x 9 V). The clip-on battery compartment lid can be screw fixed. The enclosures can be specified in either ABS or PMMA (both UL 94 HB).

Enclosures without a battery compartment range come in four sizes from S 82 x 51 x 14 mm to XL 150 x 92 x 28 mm. Those with a battery compartment are available in sizes M 105 x 65 x 19 mm, L 117 x 73 x 24 mm and XL 150 x 92 x 28 mm.

The standard colours are off-white (RAL 9002), lava or black (RAL 9005). Accessories include a Combi-Clip (for belts or wall suspension), ring eyelets, battery clips and a strap eyelet.

View the SOFT-CASE range >>

DATEC-POCKET-BOX – COMPACT, FEATURE-RICH ENCLOSURES

No list of pocket electronic enclosures would be complete without this model (and not just because of its name). The phone-like shape and large recessed operating area tell you this housing is great for pockets. And it can be sealed to IP 54.

DATEC-POCKET-BOX’s thin profile makes it pleasant to hold. It’s particularly well suited to measurement and control; other applications include remote controls, pulse generators, sensors, optoelectronics, mobile data recording and wireless communications.

There are battery compartments for N, AA, AAA and 9 V cells. These ABS and IR-permeable PMMA (UL 94 HB) enclosures come in three sizes: S 85 x 46 x 16 mm (3.35" x 1.81" x 0.63"), M 105 x 58 x 18.5 mm (4.13" x 2.28" x 0.73") and L 120 x 65 x 22 mm (4.72" x 2.56" x 0.87"). The standard colours are off-white (RAL 9002) and black (RAL 9005). Accessories include a belt/pocket clip, ring eyelet, battery clips, a battery spacer and plug-in contact (9 V).

View the DATEC-POCKET-BOX range >>

ERGO-CASE XS – CONVEX POCKET ENCLOSURES

You may be surprised to see a model as large as ERGO-CASE in this list but don’t be – the smallest XS size 82 x 56 x 24 mm is tiny enough to slip easily into a pocket. Comfy curves and bevelling make this a highly ergonomic ABS (UL 94 HB) enclosure. And again, there’s a generous recess for a membrane keypad or product label.

Size XS can be specified with a choice of three soft-touch TPE intermediate rings for carrying loose, attaching to a wrist strap (or belt) or hanging from a lanyard. (These can be specified as accessories). The enclosures are available in two standard colours: off-white (RAL 9002) and black (RAL 9004).

View the ERGO-CASE range >>

ELEGANT STYLE-CASE FOR CONTROL UNITS

One look is all you need to see how this model got its name. Sweeping curves and a high-gloss finish underline STYLE-CASE’s aesthetic credentials. But that shiny surface isn’t all for show: it also makes these housings very easy to keep clean.

This makes STYLE-CASE very popular for handheld controls in medical, wellness and social care applications. And so do the optional IP 65 ingress protection (sizes M, L) and tamperproof Torx assembly screws.

The enclosures are moulded from UV-stable ASA so they’ll stay looking good for a very long time. PMMA is also available as standard for remote control electronics. The top is recessed, and inside there is an integrated battery compartment (2 x AAA or 2 x AA, depending on the enclosure size specified).

There are three sizes: S 123 x 48 x 24 mm, M 147 x 56 x 27 mm and L 166 x 64 x 31 mm. Accessories include wall holders, battery clips and a Torx T10 screwdriver.

View the STYLE-CASE range >>

SLEEK BUT CAPACIOUS SLIM-CASE

These slender-looking enclosures are deeper and more spacious than they first appear, thanks to some subtle tapering. This ensures they sit comfortably in the hand and slide easily in and out of pockets.

There are three different operating panel options: flat for easy arrangement of buttons, displays and LEDs; 1 mm recess for a product label; 1.6 mm recess for a membrane keypad or a transparent front screen.

All three can be specified with or without a soft-touch TPE intermediate ring that also adds height for more components. This results in six different versions of SLIM-CASE – all in tough and UV-stable ASA+PC (UL 94 V-0). IP 65 protection is optional for versions I-III. Versions IV-VI (with the TPE ring) are all IP 54 as standard.

PCBs can be mounted in the top and bottom section. SLIM-CASE is suitable for inductive charging with the correct coil, using NFC technology with Qi chargers. There is one plan size for SLIM-CASE, 148 x 74 mm  in depths of either 19 mm or 22 mm, depending on whether or not the intermediate ring is added. Accessories include a front screen which can be printed from behind on demand.

View the SLIM-CASE range >>

AWARD-WINNING BLOB ENCLOSURES – RADICAL AND INTUITIVE

There are three BLOB enclosure shapes: PANEL, UNIT and CONTROL. And it’s the latter two that will most likely interest designers of pocket electronics. UNIT (the ‘exclamation mark’) is for single-handed operation. CONTROL (the circle with two extra areas) can be held with one hand and operated with the other.

All BLOB enclosures owe their unusual shapes to one important design principle: they guide the user’s hands instinctively towards the controls. This makes them excellent for people with limited grip function.

As gentle as these ABS (UL 94 HB) enclosures are, they’re also robust. IP 54 ingress protection is optional, thanks to a sealing kit (accessory). Assembly is with tamperproof Torx screws.

There is a large, recessed operating area on all three enclosures, and one of the secondary areas on CONTROL and PANEL also has a dimple recess. Battery options include AAA and Ø12-23 mm (0.472"-0.906" ) button cells for all three BLOB enclosures. PANEL can also accommodate AA cells.

Each BLOB type is available in one size: UNIT 130 x 60 x 30 mm, CONTROL 114 x 76 x 31 mm, PANEL 200 x 165 x 36 mm.

The standard colours for all three types are off-white (RAL 9002) and lava. Accessories include polarity reversal protection devices for the positive terminal (AA, AAA), battery clips, button cells holders and a Torx T10 screwdriver.

View the BLOB range >>

SPECIFY FULLY CUSTOMISED POCKET ENCLOSURES

All OKW enclosures can be specified fully customised so they can go directly from your Goods In to your production line, ready for the installation of components. We carry out all the work in-house to ensure consistently high quality from start to finish.

This also saves you time and money – and helps to minimise the carbon footprint in your supply chain. Customisation services at OKW include machining, lacquering, printing, laser marking, decor foils, EMC shielding, special materials and installation/assembly of accessories.

View our full range of customising services >>

GET EXPERT TECHNICAL ADVICE

Contact our expert team for specialist advice on plastic enclosures for your pocket-sized electronic devices. Request a sample of your preferred standard enclosure.