Different degrees of curvature can be achieved by using different tooling and bending parameters. Both digital printing and silkscreening can be applied to flat panels, parts, and assembled enclosures. Besides their flexibility, plastic materials have light weights and can be used to design portable devices. The benefits of electronic enclosure differ depending on the type of material used. 3D printers can be used for small production volumes and are suitable for custom enclosures where the designs are not commonly used or for prototyping models before passing them for mass production. As the designer, you control this by specifying a bend radius which is the radius of the inside surface of the bend (the outside radius is just the inside radius plus the metal thickness). The specifications and power ratings should be taken into consideration as well as noting the components that release heat such as regulators, resistors, LED, power circuits, etc. Our cleaning services and equipments are affordable and our cleaning experts are highly trained. For example, if you are using 14 gauge Stainless Steel (A240 TP304 2B) and opt for a minimum bend of .275, then your cutouts must be no closer than .275 to a bend. Protocase stocks all of the metals generally used to make enclosures, including aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel (cold-rolled steel or galvanneal) and copper. Plastics are excellent when working as insulators, but if they are exposed to high heat-producing circuits they may melt, so they should be used in low heat applications. There are two key factors for bend radii: Consider your intentions for both aesthetics and functionality when designing so that you select the proper bend radii for your needs. These factors include: Product requirements refer to the features, functions, and behavioral patterns that a product (in this case electronic product) should have. Know who the audience is and the type of products they expect. They have similar designs and production methods except for other differences like density, corrosion, cost, etc. They can take many shapes such as box, cylindrical, rectangular cylindrical depending on the use and the ability of the manufacturer to punch the metals. They can withstand harsh and rigorous operating conditions. In some cases, manufacturers spray these metals on top of another material such as plastic. if you have a 1 part to insert in a panel, make the cutout 1.006 to 1.010). Intended quantities will also affect the tooling, materials, and setup costs reasonable for your product. Examples of portable enclosures include car remote controllers, laptop covers, electronic mice, tv remote controllers, etc. In cases where insulation is required, plastic enclosures are usually the best to use. Other different dimensions can be used depending on the specific design of the enclosure. Enclosures used in computer systems and devices like laptops are supposed to be designed using light materials so that they can be easily carried around, at the same time, they should be strong enough to prevent damage from accidents. The diagram below shows the ways in which emissions are spread in electrical and electronic devices. This device will not last long as it can be easily damaged by the near environment and will be hazardous to the users. When Polycarbonate is combined with Acrylonitrile Styrene Acryl Ester, this enables the enclosure to have flame resistance, withstand high temperatures, ensure resistance to weather and chemicals, survive in impact-ridden environments, and make the product usable for outdoor environments. Specifically, the extra material must be removed in order to prevent bends from interfering with each other; this is called a corner relief (corner trim in CAD). Available in a variety of colors, gloss levels, and textures, powdercoat is widely recognized as the industry standard for painting metal, as it provides a cost-effective high quality, highly durable finish. Drawing dimensions refer to the underlying metal and not the coating! They have longevity and can retain their structure and appearance. Powdercoating is a type of dry thermoplastic powder, applied electrostatically, and fused on bonded to parts in an oven. In heavy manufacturing industries computer enclosures are supposed to be designed to protect the computer from flying debris, unwanted temperature ranges, and protection from moving machinery and workers. Electronic devices are the sum of their parts, including the box in which you house them. The common materials used for NEMA enclosures are polycarbonate and steel and aluminum alloys such as the 316 Stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, 5022 Aluminum powder coating with carbon steel. Plastic enclosures are waterproof and can be used in humid environments where they can be exposed to water, snow, or rain without causing damage to them. Metal enclosures are often used where portability is not an important consideration. Most laptops are made from thin and lightweight metals. Use these electronic enclosure design guidelines to select a box that can withstand the conditions of your application while also ensuring smooth operation of the device and any aesthetic qualities your brand may require. The sizes vary for example in substations (Electrical and power distributions) most enclosures used are very big and there are also very small metallic enclosures such as those used in consumer light switch fixtures. Aluminum enclosures and stainless steel enclosures are all referred to as the types of metal boxes. The design of plastic enclosures should take into consideration: Many plastic materials can be used as electronic enclosures and, in some cases, they are combined and in other cases, they are utilized in their natural states. Grained Finish Part is de-burred, and then given a specific linear grain direction via brushing. 3D printing can produce complex designs that other methods like the injection mold may fail to create. Read my blog post about what to do when cutouts and components need to be placed close to a bend. Electronic components can be easily damaged from such conditions, resulting in electromagnetic interference and other circuit interruptions. Boil your strategy down to these five words: Use 3D modeling to create an enclosure with the perfect fit that combines safety, functionality, and cost-effectiveness. Computer enclosures are made with different materials depending on the use, cost, strength, etc. The electronic circuit to be protected must be studied and understood such that one knows the amount of heat dissipated by the electronic parts inside. Protocase delivers a whole new experience to engineers and design professionals by delivering custom electronic enclosures with unmatched speed, simplicity, and service. Many Protocase users are specialists in their field of engineering or science but dont necessarily have specific training in metal fabrication or design. To specify powdercoat, simply choose a powdercoat with appropriate color and texture for your needs, and attach a note to the design you are submitting. Another thing to consider when designing your enclosure is the variances in dimensions that are an inevitable part of manufacturing. There are some dimensional restrictions to consider, due to the geometry of the welding equipment, as per the diagram below. Digital Printing and Silkscreening are finishing techniques that will give your design a professional look and feel. This information is usually contained in the special document known as the product requirement document (PRD) and is read by people so that they understand how the product will function. To give you a sense of sheet metal thickness, please refer to the table below for our stocked materials. What Are PCB Functional Testing Services? When selecting the material, always take into consideration the end user's application. The larger the device, the more difficult it may be to create a proper enclosure. They are naturally occurring, and they are certified biodegradable. Work with your design or product development team to ensure that the size and dimensions of your device meet its design-for-manufacturability needs. The system does not cause interference to other systems or equipment surrounding it. Though the appearance of the product isn't everything, it may amount to more than you realize. In the PRD of an electronic product common functions that may require the design of an enclosure may include the need to reflect heat, prevent moisture, absorb vibrations, LED visible, and accommodate the fan. The resulting continuously joined seams are useful for weatherproofing and reducing EMI leakage, as well for achieving a seamless look and feel. Bare Metal Finishes are offered in three basic types for aluminum and stainless steel: If you are looking for more information on any of the finishes listed, please check out our website here. Your email address will not be published. Unlike metal enclosures, plastic enclosures do not rust when exposed to moisture. You can find a list of stock powdercoats here. These structures are known as electronic enclosures. Most of the aluminum enclosures have a box-like shape with corresponding dimensions but in general, they have lengths ranging from 10 cm to 20 cm. As the name intel, wall-mounted enclosures are mounted on the wall while protecting electronic equipment from damage, contaminations, heat, and other hazardous environments. Polycarbonate is gaining popularity as much as acrylic because of its thermal stability and impact resistance properties. We have wide a network of offices in all major locations to help you with the services we offer, With the help of our worldwide partners we provide you with all sanitation and cleaning needs. Computers are often enclosed in unibody enclosures made from aluminum for protection. Some components cannot be placed next to each other in an electronic circuit for many reasons, resulting in false readings, short circuits, melting, shortened life span, etc. Such devices include car remotes, game controllers, cell phones, chargers, etc. Plastic is much easier to shape with proprietary molds and provides corrosion immunity; your manufacturer can easily customize it to create unique shapes. Once the electronic components have been modeled, the enclosure shell can be drawn or drafted by considering the parts arrangements. Study the aesthetic practices of industry competitors before making decisions that affect the appearance and usability of the product. Also known as systems integration, a box build assembly is a combination of the circuit boards, routing cables and wires, subassemblies, and finally the enclosure fabrication. Aluminum has a lower stiffness than steel and in certain circumstances; a thicker gauge may be required to have the same strength as steel and meet your design needs. No Finish Part is de-burred with no additional finishing, and may exhibit small scratches or swirl marks. Nuts can accept screws (an arrangement that is much more robust than tapped sheet metal), standoffs can be inserted for mounting circuit boards and studs can be used for mounting connectors. (Note that, although gauges are given for aluminum, they are typically not used for aluminum; the actual thickness of the aluminum is more internationally recognized). The electronic industry is fast-growing, and this is evident especially when we look at the portable electronic devices that almost the whole world has been exposed to. Digital printing is also excellent for graphics, such as company logos or artwork. EMI enclosures are designed to protect the electronic device from unwanted interferences that may be created by electromagnetic fields, radiation effects, coupling effects, and other possible disturbances. If you have any questions, please comment below or email info@protocase.com we will do our best to get you pointed in the right direction. It is also heat resistant, water-resistant, impact-resistant, flame resistant, and highly insulative. This will still be classified as an EMI enclosure. They are used to protect and contain electronic components for outdoor and indoor applications. One of the major challenges for a designer who is not completely familiar with sheet metal is what gauge to use, as they all seem the same on paper unless you have the benefit of experience. Required fields are marked *, You may use these HTML tags and attributes:
. These enclosures are usually associated with LEDs and battery compartments. These types of enclosures are flexible because of their chemical structures. Spot welding This is a fast, efficient and inexpensive method for permanently joining two pieces of sheet metal in one or more spots. Also, Ill remind you again that dimensions are for bare metal if you add powdercoat, allow 0.003 to 0.005 extra. Below is a description of the differentiating characteristics of each, which help you make an informed choice. If you find this useful, you should also check out our other material on the Protocase resources page here. Our services ensure you have more time with your loved ones and can focus on the aspects of your life that are more important to you than the cleaning and maintenance work. Some of the considerations when choosing an electronic enclosure are: Electronic devices have become popular in our daily lives and are found in almost all industries. To help you find the right PCB components for your electronics box build, check out the free sizing charts below: hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(4238299, '6223c590-424c-4614-af4a-45b54f5b2e0d', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Stay up to date with news as well as educate yourself with electronic contract manufacturing resources. Choose carefully -- selecting an electronics manufacturing services (EMS) design partner with proven PCB and enclosure experience will improve your odds of success. Aluminum enclosures are applicable for outdoor and indoor use to protect the instruments from unfavorable weather conditions like excessive heat, water, UV light, and to prevent dirt and dust from entering and contaminating components. document.write(new Date().getFullYear());. If you use Protocase Designer, the templates will do this automatically for you. For lower-quantity designs, consider sticking to off-the-shelf plastic enclosures that dont require setup costs. We use devices like cell phones, radios, microwaves, remote control, laptops, etc on a daily basis and the information provided in this article will give either the consumer or the manufacturer of these devices some insight on how best to interact with these electronic enclosures. It is great to see that a Cape Breton Company has emerged to be a 5052 Aluminum is ideal for sheet metal enclosures and parts, since it can be bent to a tight radius without cracking, as well as easily welded and machined. Good hygiene is easy to maintain when using stainless steel. These typically include functional cutouts for connectors, displays, switches, etc. This process can be done effectively using a software program. My hope is this will act as a how-to guide to help you get started, as well as save time and unnecessary redesigns in the long run. Metals are effective to use as enclosures in high heat-producing circuits. As a first step in designing an enclosure, you need to choose the type of metal you will use and its thickness. There are any number of operations that are performed in the creation of a finished sheet metal product Radiofrequency (RF) shielding is the practice of blocking radiofrequency electromagnetic signals that cause radio frequency interference (RFI). CMSs Transparency in Coverage (TIC) rule: Highmark has published the Machine-Readable Files on behalf of Matric Limited. Think of the bill of materials as your blueprint for your electronics manufacturing supplier. When we apply chromate to the metal substrate, it creates a corrosion-resistant and durable surface (similar to stainless steel) that exhibits stable electrical conductivity. Unlike threaded fasteners, spot welding leaves little trace of the joint. This method is mainly used when manufacturing simple enclosures like car remote controls, tv remote controllers, gamepads, kiosk displays, calculators, etc. They can determine if an enclosure type is suitable for indoor or outdoor applications. However, we can always order other metals if your design requires a different type it would just take a few extra days on top of our 2-3 day turnaround. There are many methods for fabricating electronic enclosures with some of the most common below. Consider whether youd like a branded theme for your product and if its reasonable for your order volume. Various factors should be considered when designing electronic enclosures. Where there is a need for holes, they should be drilled, where there is a need for heat absorption spaces should be left for air circulation or heat-absorbing components. All Rights Reserved. In fact, she was the first employee the company hired back in 2002, after working for the Protocase co-founders in a previous job. Nowadays many material types can be used as enclosures and many factors may affect the choice such as price, weight, size, and aesthetics. Metal is the material of choice for many products that need to be durable and cost-effective, but work with your ECM to ensure that the shape you've chosen is easily manufacturable. Anodizing is an electro-chemical process used to prepare the surface of non-ferrous metals, most commonly aluminum, to make the surface harder and less likely to corrode. NEMA enclosures can be made from common enclosure designs such as the junction box, free-standing, trough, floor mount, wall mount, and free-standing with leg kit design. Christa Carey has been with Protocase since the very beginning. There is a lot of dirt and debris produced in industries and these enclosures save well in such instances because metals are stronger and can withstand hard conditions that are in many industries. If you dont include the correct corner reliefs, we will add them for you. When it comes to making a custom electronic cable and harness assembly, the little details matter. Work with your design or product development team, ECMs that specialize in design assistance. These bodies develop and design regulations and standards in electrical and electronics-related technologies. Choosing the right enclosure is critical for the success of your electronic device, whether that's a wireless industrial control, a piece of medical equipment, or part of an energy distribution system. In industries, these boxes protect and keep sensitive and fragile electronic components from accidental impacts, debris and dirt and keep them from contamination. To fabricate enclosures most manufacturers use are plastic and metal, which are discussed below. In these processes, semi-finished metal products are reshaped and joined IQS Directory
They are seen in nuclear power plants housing the wiring in nuclear reactors and control rooms. Before production of the actual enclosure, it is essential to compare the CAD and BOM to avoid communication issues. The gauges shown are based on American CRS sheet steel manufacturers gauge thickness. Some metal boxes are used for very important purposes like in telecommunication and if inappropriate boxes are chosen, that may lead to the blocking or unintended traffic flow of information. We also have access to wide range of non-stock powdercoats, subject to extra lead time and batch charge. They can be made from different material types at different sizes depending on the use, purpose, environment, design, cost, etc. Your electronics contract manufacturer should be your box-build assembly outsourcing partner -- not just a quick-turn PCB house. Electronic enclosures can be classified according to the material type and application. Other materials that can be used include acrylic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene ethylene butadiene styrene (SEBS), and polyamide (PA). If you must place a cutout close to a bend, I recommend contacting us, as we can work together to meet your design requirements. If this information can be obtained from the PRD, the designer is expected to know what material to use for the enclosure, the associated costs, suitable manufacturing process, etc. Compared to metal, plastic enclosures can be cheaply made. These tools will help you create an enclosure that will either be exactly what you need or very close to similar dimensions.
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