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When specifying a custom-sized aluminium electronic enclosure, drawings and 3D models are important, but explaining the design intent behind the enclosure is just as valuable.
Early discussions with the engineering team can reveal features that may be difficult, costly or unnecessary to manufacture. Small changes to hole positions, corner radii, aperture shapes or panel layouts can sometimes reduce machining time and cost without affecting the enclosure’s function.
Rather than focusing only on external dimensions, it is useful to define the functional requirements. Many METCASE 19-inch rack cases and instrument enclosures can now be produced in custom sizes across all three dimensions. Discussing enclosure requirements before the PCB layout is finalised can also provide more options and better use of the available budget.
Designers should allow enough clearance for connectors, wiring, batteries, displays and cooling, while also making tolerance requirements clear. Sharing CAD files, PCB layouts and PDF drawings early helps METCASE understand the application and optimise the enclosure design.
It is also best to specify machining, apertures, ventilation slots, threaded inserts, PCB pillars and finishing requirements together. This allows the project to be assessed as a complete assembly rather than as a series of separate modifications.
METCASE’s CNC capabilities include punching, folding, milling, drilling and tapping. Details of components such as connectors, displays and switches help ensure that openings are sized and positioned correctly.
Fixings and inserts should also be considered early. Threaded PCB pillars can provide secure mounting and consistent spacing, while self-clinching nuts are useful for mounting plates, brackets, power supplies and other internal assemblies.
METCASE also offers custom front panels, painting and finishing, and photo-quality digital printing of legends, logos and graphics.
Early discussions with the engineering team can reveal features that may be difficult, costly or unnecessary to manufacture. Small changes to hole positions, corner radii, aperture shapes or panel layouts can sometimes reduce machining time and cost without affecting the enclosure’s function.
Rather than focusing only on external dimensions, it is useful to define the functional requirements. Many METCASE 19-inch rack cases and instrument enclosures can now be produced in custom sizes across all three dimensions. Discussing enclosure requirements before the PCB layout is finalised can also provide more options and better use of the available budget.
Designers should allow enough clearance for connectors, wiring, batteries, displays and cooling, while also making tolerance requirements clear. Sharing CAD files, PCB layouts and PDF drawings early helps METCASE understand the application and optimise the enclosure design.
It is also best to specify machining, apertures, ventilation slots, threaded inserts, PCB pillars and finishing requirements together. This allows the project to be assessed as a complete assembly rather than as a series of separate modifications.
METCASE’s CNC capabilities include punching, folding, milling, drilling and tapping. Details of components such as connectors, displays and switches help ensure that openings are sized and positioned correctly.
Fixings and inserts should also be considered early. Threaded PCB pillars can provide secure mounting and consistent spacing, while self-clinching nuts are useful for mounting plates, brackets, power supplies and other internal assemblies.
METCASE also offers custom front panels, painting and finishing, and photo-quality digital printing of legends, logos and graphics.
For more information on WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO SPECIFY ALUMINIUM ELECTRONIC ENCLOSURES IN CUSTOM SIZES? talk to Metcase Enclosures
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