Sponsored Article
Verotec minimises your time to market
14 January 2022
Our huge library of standard metal enclosures and our advanced in-house CAD capability, CNC Manufacture, Assembly and Test bring your project to fruition as quickly as possible.
Standard metal enclosures are a great idea, but they nearly always need to be modified to suit the specific requirements of a project. A standard enclosure is exactly that: standard. To fit the needs of a specific project, assuming that the enclosure is a standard catalogue size, it will typically have to be machined with suitable apertures to accept switches, displays, I/O connectors, apertures for forced cooling fans and other components. It may also need to be printed with legends and logos and it may have to be finished in a non-standard colour to meet corporate or product branding requirements.
Many electronic OEMs may not have the plant, equipment, expertise or interest in undertaking metalworking procedures in their own premises. If standard enclosures are purchased and the modification processes outsourced, there are the additional costs, time penalties and logistics complications associated with managing the process of sub-contracting, often to multiple suppliers, potentially further increasing the costs as each process will require extra units to allow for first-offs and set up wastage. By far the best option is for the original manufacturer to provide the modified enclosure. Obviously, if the project requires a non-standard size of a standard design, realistically the original manufacturer is the only possible supplier.
Apart from the obvious product-related benefits of reduced lead times, enhanced capability and improved quality and repeatability, there are also additional intangible advantages for customers. ArtCAM Express middleware allows customers to send Pro Eng, Solid Works, AutoCAD or PDF files of the modifications required; these drawings are automatically translated into the standard MCR file format required to control the M8Cube, avoiding any potential inaccuracies. A further benefit is that the data path from customer to machining centre is homogeneous, ensuring that ISO9001 traceability is preserved to allow batch traceability if required.
Configured systems are another way in which the enclosure manufacturer can save the user time and money. Typically, a configured system will consist of a desktop, rack-mountable or portable enclosure, fitted with a subrack conforming to IEC60297, IEEE1101.10 or .11, a backplane, power supply and cooling. In this instance, the hardware manufacturer provides the customer with a “ready-to-run” system, into which the customer can mount their PCBs, power up the system, test and ship. The advantages are self-evident: the system will be configured to meet the customer’s specific needs for the project; they can order a single, unique part number that defines the system exactly and they will not have to undertake assembly of various pieces of hardware arriving at different time, possibly from different suppliers. Finally, and most importantly, by working with the enclosure manufacturer, the system will have been tested and proven during the development phase.
Our in-house Design and Engineering multi-seat CAD facility is the gateway to our modification and customisation services. By involving our team as early as possible in the new product development cycle, designers will save money and time in bringing the project to fruition. We have a wealth of experience in enclosure design, a vast library of components and specific knowledge in thermal management, power conversion, EMC and environmental and regulatory standards.
Mechanical parts are modelled using parametric 3D CAD software, ensuring the required form, fit and function of multiple elements are met. We use PTC Creo (Pro-Engineer), Radan, Draftsight and Adobe Illustrator to create your design.
To discuss your specific requirements, call + 44 2380 246900 or email sales@verotec.co.uk. For an overview of our Design and Manufacturing Services, visit https://www.verotec.co.uk/design-manufacturing-services/design-engineering/.
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