Companies use metal enclosures to protect various components such as wiring and cables. A well-designed metal enclosure not only provides optimal protection but also ensures that it provides years of service.

For the electronics industry, sheet metal enclosures play a critical part in achieving and maintaining success. After all, these enclosures do more than protect electrical components from harsh indoor and outdoor elements. They also provide electrical conductivity and reduce emissions.

The key is to work with a reputable manufacturing company that fabricates sheet metal enclosures. That way, your design team can work with professional fabricators to ensure that every aspect of the enclosure meets your specific requirements. That includes both the company’s high standards and current safety regulations.

Functional and Aesthetic Criteria

A reputable manufacturer will take the time to understand the functional and aesthetic requirements for the custom sheet metal boxes you need. In some cases, a fabricator can work with a customer’s design as is. However, they often use their expertise to recommend ways to enhance the design.

Here are just a few examples of the different factors involved with designing sheet metal enclosures.

  • Application
  • Dimension requirements
  • Aesthetics
  • Type of mounting (pole, tabletop, wall, etc.)
  • Environment, which includes vibrations, temperature, exposure to corrosives, indoor versus outdoor, etc.
  • Components secured inside custom sheet metal boxes

Appropriate Material

Based on the factors listed, an experienced manufacturer of sheet metal electronic enclosures will recommend the right type of material. After all, they work with many different types of metals. Even so, they understand the characteristics of each.

For example, if you need lightweight and corrosion-resistant custom sheet metal boxes, the manufacturer will choose a specific grade of aluminum. On the other hand, for enclosures with high tensile strength and high-impact applications, they would likely go with stainless steel.

Material Thickness

The great thing about leading manufacturers is that they make a lot of critical decisions based on the customer’s design. That includes choosing the metal material with the right thickness for the sheet metal enclosures ordered.

Most Efficient Shape

Manufacturing companies also produce sheet metal enclosures in various shapes. 

So, consider that during the design phase. Below are just two options. Along with strength, fabricators select shapes that impact the enclosure’s size, flange length, and weight.

  • F-Shape – This shape works best for PCBs with connectors located on the opposite sides 
  • Folded Box Shape – With four sides, this shape provides easy access for servicing and maintenance. In addition, it offers more mounting options.

Additional Design Considerations

The manufacturer that produces custom sheet metal boxes for your company will also factor in the bend radius. In addition, it’ll work with you on selecting a finish. Some options include powder coating, chromate conversion coating, anodizing, nickel plating, and more.

Expert Prototyping and Testing

With everything done, it’s now time to move on to the prototyping phase of the fabrication process. Once you and the manufacturer agree on its success, your product goes through testing. For top-of-the-line sheet metal electronic enclosures, contact Weldflow Metal Products today.