Remote control webcams are increasingly used to document construction sites and weather stations as well as for surveillance monitoring of public buildings, and in outdoor applications, the cameras must be able to withstand the direct effects of wind and weather, so protecting their sensitive electronics poses a particular challenge.

avisec of Remetschwil, Switzerland, is now protecting its sensitive webcams and single-lens reflex cameras with a mass-produced, weatherproof housing for professional surveillance cameras. Covestro explains that Emaform manufactures the housing’s two complexly shaped components using its Baydur 66 FR-1, a rigid polyurethane integral skin foam system.

According to Covestro, the polyurethane system satisfies all requirements in terms of geometry, weight, strength and fire protection. The metal housings used previously made it impossible to implement desired design features. The polyurethane system also offers the most economical solution for meeting surface requirements while delivering the best properties together with the desired design and functionality. It says that customers also appreciate the geographic proximity as well as the quality and flexibility of its suppliers.

Covestro says that the housing is highly resistant to wind and weather. To test for tightness, avisec subjected the camera to a water immersion test. No water penetrated the housing in any position while submerged to a depth of 30 centimeters for 24 hours.

The two polyurethane housing components were designed for easy access to the camera without having to change its position. Once the housing hood is removed, the electronics and camera inside the housing are readily accessible and can be easily operated even by a layman.

Some inserts are directly embedded in the foam, glass components are fixed with adhesive and various add-on parts are attached with screws. The black lower section of the housing is integrally coloured; the upper section features a two-component coating and can be imprinted, if desired. The company’s vertical range of manufacture and optimised packaging allows the company to supply complete assemblies and ensures efficient replacement-parts management.

http://netcomposites.com/news/2016/november/22/integral-foam-encases-sensitive-surveillance-cameras/