Have you ever seen an episode for F.R.I.E.N.D.S. where Monica (one of the main characters) freaked out because someone did not use a coaster for their cup? It can make anyone laugh so hard. Personally I own end tables in my living room and I accidentally scraped on them, but I also sanded and painted them on my own. That’s why I totally get it when someone does not want to damage their tables with any water rings or anything.
On top of that, I have also put several coats for heavy duty use clear coat on them to protect my end tables from damage. I also did try to use coasters for my cup of tea but my dog has the habit of eating and chewing on them. Although my boyfriend also has coasters all over his place. They are simply just rubber discs manufactured with corrugated bottom that prevents bottles and glasses from sliding from the table.
This also holds true when it comes to plastic enclosures. In creating a desktop project that does not utilize flanges to protect and secure the plastic enclosure, design engineers look for alternative ways to keep the plastic enclosure sliding all around the surface. The rubber bumpers also serve as added layer of protection from unavoidable scratches on the desktop surface.
One of the ways in making these happen is using silicone rubber boot. There are companies which makes this available to their customers especially when they manufacture plastic electronics enclosure. Another option is offering rubber feet. By successfully separating the rubber feet (most of the time self-adhesive) it will help in stabilizing the enclosure without permanently installing or mounting it anywhere. There are several suppliers that offers rubber bumpers or feet on their enclosures – regardless whether it is made of plastic or metal material.
For the rubber feet, there are multiple size options available for customers: round, square, flat or rubber feet with the additional added height. The other options available to consumers is that they can choose the color and size of the rubber feet. When it comes to choosing a bumper, choose one with a diameter that is slightly smaller compared to the recessed indention you are planning to put it in.
With this in mind, in case a customer has a 0.50″ diameter indentation, they can opt for a 0.50″ diameter bumper. But this will have to be comparable with a bumper that is exactly perfect with the indentation when using it.
When the customer tries to move the bumper once it has been applied on the enclosure can cause the bumper to be weakened in its adhesive bond. It is rightfully recommended to go with a bumper size that is a little bit smaller than 0.500″ to hasten the assembly process. This also leaves a little wiggle room so to speak.