Feature

Custom, customised or ‘hybrid’? How to specify metal enclosures for my electronics

You’ll sometimes hear the words ‘custom’ and ‘customised’ used interchangeably when describing electronic enclosures. But there’s a world of difference – and it matters a great deal. Especially when it comes to price.

01/08/2024 10:48:49

Font size:

Custom enclosures are bespoke; they’re designed from the ground up. However customised enclosures are standard housings that have been modified to a customer’s specific requirements. The cost savings are significant – and you’ll get your finished enclosures quicker than if you had opted for a fully bespoke housing.

That’s because it doesn’t take much customisation to transform an off-the-shelf enclosure into a machined and fully branded housing that can go straight from your ‘Goods In’ to your production line – ready for the installation of components.

This is especially true of fabricated metal enclosures because most of the customisation work will be on the front and rear panels, which are flat and easy to work on. For this reason, many of these aluminium enclosures are sold without front panels. They can then be specified as a customised accessory.

But there’s more to all this than first meets the eye. Seemingly similar 19" rack cases and instrument enclosures can offer very different customisation opportunities. This can impact enclosure performance and price.

Read the full article in DPA's August 2024 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.