Enclosures
define basic PCB dimensions, smaller PCBs would not normally conform to any external size standard, so modifying a PCB layout and size at an early stage might enable it to fit a standard off the shelf enclosure, rather than ending up with a size that will definitely require a custom box.
Hammond Electronics is a major supplier of moulded plastic, metal, extruded and die-cast aluminium enclosures to the electronics industry, offering more than 5000 different sizes as standard products. The ranges are widely available through major catalogue distributors, specialist enclosure distributors and direct, giving multiple sourcing options with ex- stock availability at competitive prices. Hammond has also made substantial investments in equipment, people and systems at its Basingstoke facility to support the increasing customer demand for the original equipment manufacturer to undertake in-house modifications. A recent £100k+ investment in additional CNC machines has increased modification capacity by some 35 per cent, improving service levels and reducing lead times.
What sort of modifications can be done?
Hammond has the capability to undertake many different types of modification; the choice of method will obviously depend on the tasks required to achieve the required result. To view a video outlining Hammond’s modification capabilities, visit
www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Dt9jfz3tT5c. Milling. CNC XYZ milling allows cutouts and rebates to be achieved. A comprehensive library of
Studs and standoffs. Most plastic enclosures will have PCB mounting studs moulded into the base and top, but additional mounting points can be added to enclosures of any material.
Punching. In sheet metal enclosures, punching is a very economical way of creating apertures of various shapes in flat panels. Metal enclosures would normally be punched in the flat before assembly.
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standard apertures exists and custom shapes can easily be achieved. A corner radius of 0.75 mm can be created, enabling complex shapes to be readily achieved with high precision. Drilling. Large and small holes can be positioned to tolerances of 0.005 mm relative to each other, allowing holes to be positioned close together when required. For example, a plain panel can be drilled with a repeating array of holes giving an open area in excess of 85 per cent to allow maximum airflow into the enclosure. Tapping and countersinking. The enclosure can be ready-tapped to accept screw- mounted components.
UV digital printing. Printing on the sides as well as the lids of enclosures is achievable, as is printing to the edges of curved surfaces. Selected areas or the complete surface can be finished with a high gloss, matte or embossed finish, greatly expanding the creative options for logos, backgrounds and legends. UV digital printing capability enables the designer to ensure that the enclosure reinforces the inherent quality of the product, supporting brand identity and providing sharp, long-lasting solid and gradient colours and textured effects on the top and side faces of the enclosure that houses the electronics. Engraving. Legends can be engraved in both plastic and metal using traditional techniques. Custom moulding colours. Hammond plastic enclosures are available in ABS, flame retardant ABS and polycarbonate. All plastic enclosures are available ex-stock in a variety of colours and all materials can be moulded in any custom colour subject to a minimum order quantity. Painted finishes. Aluminium die- cast enclosures are available as standard in natural and black finish. A wide range of different finishes and colours can be applied to both enclosures and panels; ranging from a deeply textured finish to an ultra-high gloss piano black paint, the appearance of the unit can reflect corporate or product identity.
Traditional screen printing.
Traditional screen printing enables single or multiple solid colour areas and legends to be applied to enclosures and panels in a durable finish that resists erosion through normal wear and tear. EMC coatings. Moulded enclosures have one specific weakness: by virtue of the intrinsic properties of the material itself, plastic, unlike metal, offers no inherent attenuation to the passage of electric or magnetic fields. In many applications, this deficiency is of no consequence, but if radiation emitted by the housed electronics or their susceptibility to external fields is a potential problem, the lack of screening could be an issue. Internal coatings in a variety of materials can be applied to the inner surfaces of a plastic enclosure to give different degrees of attenuation dependent on the project requirements. By offering different materials in a range of thicknesses, the most cost-effective and technically competent solution can be provided.
In addition to the fabrication capability, service is another key focus. To specify the modifications required, customers can download PDF drawings or 2D and 3D CAD files for all products from
www.hammondmfg.com. The required modifications are marked up on the drawings and returned. A quote is prepared and upon receipt of order, approval samples are produced. Once the samples are accepted, volume production starts. This streamlined process reduces dwell time and removes possible errors if information from a customer drawing is re- entered into Hammond’s CAD system.
www.hammondmfg.com Components in Electronics February 2025 41
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