Introduction

In the world of outdoor smart home security—cameras, doorbells, and floodlights—the environment is the enemy. Humidity, torrential rain, and dust storms are constant threats to sensitive internal circuitry. To survive, these devices must adhere to strict Ingress Protection (IP) ratings.

At Coboggi, we don't just build enclosures; we build fortresses for your technology. Understanding the difference between IP67 and IP68 is the first step in engineering a product that lasts a decade in the field.

1. Decoding the Numbers: IP67 vs. IP68

The "IP" rating consists of two digits. The first (6) represents total protection against dust. The second (7 or 8) represents liquid protection.

• IP67: The device can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Perfect for most heavy rain scenarios.

• IP68: The device is protected against long-term immersion under pressure (usually 1.5 meters or more). This is the gold standard for high-end outdoor security.

2. The Aluminum Advantage in Waterproofing

Why choose aluminum over plastic for a waterproof camera?

• Dimensional Stability: Plastic can warp or "creep" over time when exposed to hot sun and cold nights, which breaks the waterproof seal. Aluminum remains rigid, maintaining a constant pressure on your gaskets.

• Thermal Expansion: Aluminum expands and contracts predictably. We match the tolerances of our enclosures to the expansion rates of high-quality Silicone or EPDM O-rings, ensuring the seal never fails.

3. Engineering the Perfect Seal

Achieving an IP68 rating requires more than just a tight screw. At Coboggi, we focus on three engineering pillars:

1. Gland Surfaces: We machine the "gland" (the area where the gasket sits) to a surface roughness of Ra 0.8 to 1.6, ensuring there are no microscopic peaks or valleys for water to leak through.

2. Uniform Bolt Compression: We help you calculate the exact spacing of fasteners to ensure the pressure on the seal is perfectly even across the entire perimeter.

3. Vacuum Testing: For ODM clients, we can perform pressure-drop testing to verify that every enclosure meets its IP rating before it leaves our facility.

Conclusion

If you are building an outdoor smart security product, "good enough" waterproofing isn't enough. A single drop of water can ruin a PCB and your brand's reputation. By leveraging Coboggi’s precision CNC and die-casting expertise, you can confidently market your products as the most durable in the industry.