Small Custom Electronics Enclosures

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iwoloschin
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Posted by iwoloschin: Thu. Aug 9, 2012 - 08:08 PM
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Does anyone have any suggestions on small custom electronics enclosures? Right now I'm using an off the shelf part from New Age Enclosures but I'm having a few issues with the enclosures which has me wondering about just going ahead and getting some custom enclosures made. Has anyone worked with any companies (preferable US based) that they would recommend? Any tips or suggestions on things to look for, or avoid, when dealing with custom enclosures?

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Learning and Information, General Electronics
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DocJC
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Posted by DocJC: Thu. Aug 9, 2012 - 09:53 PM
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Have a look at This Thread .

I mentioned eMachine Shop.

Other options are also suggested.

JC

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iwoloschin
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Posted by iwoloschin: Fri. Aug 10, 2012 - 02:48 PM
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Thanks!

Now to just go convince everyone I need a 3D printer...

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Bronze Markbobgardner
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Posted by bobgardner: Fri. Aug 10, 2012 - 03:13 PM
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If you want a nice machined aluminum box, thats what we do at Aviation Instrument Technologies (aircraftinstruments.com). But there is some NRE to draw the thing in solidworks, then cvt to the machine file for the Hurco. Dave will certainly give you a quote. (dave@aircraftinstruments.com) They get cheaper as you spread the NRE out over a couple hundred units....

Imagecraft compiler user

Last Edited: Fri. Aug 10, 2012 - 09:18 PM
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iwoloschin
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Posted by iwoloschin: Fri. Aug 10, 2012 - 05:32 PM
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Bob, no need for aluminum, plastic is preferred, it's cheaper and lighter. Though, making a sealed, metal box might help reduce any errant EMI... :p

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Bronze Markbobgardner
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Posted by bobgardner: Fri. Aug 10, 2012 - 09:20 PM
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Does aluminum act as a magnetic shield? (Dont tell the guys that make mu metal shields for microphone transformers)

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Bronze Markjs
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Posted by js: Fri. Aug 10, 2012 - 10:32 PM
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Quote:
Now to just go convince everyone I need a 3D printer...
Like this one? http://store.makerbot.com/replic...

John Samperi

Ampertronics Pty. Ltd.

https://www.ampertronics.com.au

* Electronic Design * Custom Products * Contract Assembly

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gchapman
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Posted by gchapman: Fri. Aug 10, 2012 - 10:36 PM
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iwoloschin wrote:
Now to just go convince everyone I need a 3D printer...
Until then Ponoko, 3D Printed may work for a prototype.

"Dare to be naïve." - Buckminster Fuller

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toalan
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Posted by toalan: Fri. Aug 10, 2012 - 11:16 PM
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js wrote:
Quote:
Now to just go convince everyone I need a 3D printer...
Like this one? http://store.makerbot.com/replic...

Ahh yes the makerbot, I was suckered into buying it thinking that I could print my own cases and whatnot. The print quality is only good enough for prototype work, for anything that needs to look nice you need finish it by hand and even then it will still look like crap.

I have had my makerbot for about 1 year, in that time the only things I have printed are parts to upgrade the printer to work more reliably.

They should really have been upfront with the quality of the print, and the limitations of the machine. These low end 3d printers are extruding ABS plastic at high temperatures and high pressures, that does not lend itself to precision work or worry free operation.

The best thing about these 3d printers is that the software is open sourced, it is also it's worst quality as the fit and finish of the software is what you expect of free software. For support you have to rely on the generosity of the open source community rather than the vendor that sold you a $2k printer.

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