Why UV-resistant plastic in your IoT devices is more important than you might think

Choosing reliable and durable devices in your IoT-based solution is crucial for maintaining high quality and longevity of your solution.

But it is not only the reliability of the device’s performance that is important for the quality of your solution – so is the durability of the hardware you are using.

Because when it comes to technology hardware, the materials used on the outside matter just as much as the technology inside.

You might think that this is only a matter of aesthetics. But that is far from the case.

Because if the materials used on the outside are not made in a high enough quality it can significantly impact both the appearance and functionality of the product over time.

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The impact of UV exposure on device longevity

When a device in your IoT-based solution is placed in the field – for instance, on a wall – it will most likely be exposed to UV rays from the sun for long periods of time.

Over time, these damaging rays from the sun will degrade the quality of the plastic cover of the device if the plastic is not of a high enough quality.

This degradation often results in discoloration of the plastic, giving it a yellowish tint. Besides resulting in a less attractive appearance of the product, this is also a sign of chemical breakdown of the plastic.

And over time, this breakdown can lead to structural weaknesses, causing the plastic to crack or deform.

This deterioration can compromise the integrity and functionality of the device, potentially leading to failures in the solutions you provide to your customers.

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The importance of using UV-resistant devices in your solution

To ensure the longevity and reliability of the products you use in your solution, it is highly advisable to choose devices constructed with UV-resistant plastic.

Devices from Onics are constructed with plastics that are f1-rated according to the UL 746C standard which means that the materials have met high UV immersion requirements.

And to ensure that Onics devices will not discolor over time, our plastics are pre-mixed with color by our supplier.

This commitment ensures that the devices maintain their original appearance and functionality, even after years of exposure to sunlight in the field.

This provides a safe choice of IoT devices for solution providers looking to build a reliable, durable, and high-quality solution.

Discover our range of wireless IoT devices here.