Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures and other local Michigan companies help the city of Belding achieve an improved lighting system
The Situation
In 2009, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) awarded the City of Belding with a $650,000 enhancement grant for sidewalks, pathway, decorative lights, and trees to improve M-44 within the City of Belding.
The City of Belding was committed to support as many area companies and individuals as possible.
The Challenge
It was necessary that enclosures be large enough to house the controls upon which the lighting system functioned. They also required an enclosure manufacturer that could offer the capabilities to effectively produce a customized enclosure to meet their individualized performance needs.
On top of all of this, they needed an enclosure that would, over the long-term, protect the enclosed system from corrosion and environmental forces that might otherwise damage and jeopardize the city’s investment. Due to the large size requirements (48"x36"x16") of the enclosure, they knew that a steel enclosure would be very heavy to handle during installation and would cost more than their budget would allow.
The Solution
Fortunately, the engineers on the project knew that Stahlin composite fiberglass materials might offer a significant advantage over metallic alternatives. Specifically, composites have improved flexural strength because they can withstand an impact without permanent deformation or denting.
Composite fiberglass also offers an effective continuous service temperature ranges from -76°F to +274°F, meaning that enclosures molded from this material will withstand even the most difficult operating environments. Plus, fiberglass composite materials can be superior to metallics, even stainless steel in specific environments, for the purpose of beating the high cost of damage from corrosion.
Lastly, the weight of fiberglass would be less than metal, making the overall installation easier and less costly. Consequently, the decision was made to go with non-metallic enclosures for the job.
