Plastic Enclosures Technology

Plastic Enclosure Technology

 

The Toolless technology is a CNC machining and fabrication process that uses assembly techniques borrowed from the sheet metal and (wood) cabinet making industries.

The technology is used to make custom plastic enclosures, “hog-out” enclosures, bezels, machined parts and assemblies quickly for fast turn around with our ten step process.

 

Ten step process

  1. Design the plastic enclosure starting from a dimensioned drawing or CAD file showing the circuit boards and electronic components oriented in space.
  2. Generate the CNC code that drives all the machining and bending operations.
  3. Machine the plastic sheet to add openings, vents and recesses.
  4. Cut individual pieces from sheet.
  5. Prepare joint and edge details on routing machines. All joints feature a modified tongue-and-groove design.
  6. Score the sheet with bending cuts on a custom table saw. These v-shaped bending cuts extend halfway through the sheet and boost the bending precision.
  7. Bend the pieces in a computerized thermal bending machine that resembles a sheet metal brake press.
  8. Heat stake metal inserts into bosses. Install the bosses into machined recesses in the sheet.
  9. Assemble the pieces using a solvent-bonding process.
  10. Perform secondary operations like painting, EMI shielding, and latch or hinge installations.

Your custom enclosures are then shipped out and into your hands quickly.

 

 

Advantages over Injection Molding

  • No tooling or capital outlay – No minimum orders
  • Fast turnaround
  • High quality appearance
  • Zero draft  - Zero Tooling
  • Changes are easily incorporated
  • Complex features including bosses, ribs, and interlocks can be added

 

Materials Used

  1. ABS
  2. HIPS
  3. Acrylic
  4. Polycarbonate
  5. Customized Options also available

Thickness varies from .078" (2mm) - 1/2" (12.7mm) with black, white, grey, light grey, beige, and granito all in stock.

Custom plastic enclosure colors available upon request.