A custom metal enclosure is a specially-crafted cover that holds electronics, equipment, or any other items that need to be protected from the elements. They frequently house prototype electronic devices, electrical control stations, security equipment, gas tanks, and more. For example, a client might order a custom metal enclosure to hold a prototype while it’s being tested, or to protect a control panel from public access. A custom metal enclosure can come in any shape, size, material, or color, and can be retrofitted with any special features as needed. At AP Precision, we work with a range of clients to provide both one-off pieces and large custom orders.

 

Our Consultation and Design Process

Many clients come to us with exact specifications, dimensions, and material preferences for their custom metal enclosures. They may have a drawing from an engineer which lays out every aspect of the enclosure. In this case, our team is equipped to interpret these drawings and quickly put them into production. However, some clients do come to us for guidance on design and materials. We are happy to recommend materials, access features, finishes, hardware additions, and other details that will support your final outcome.The most common material options are steel and aluminum sheet, but we can create enclosures using titanium, mesh, and other alternatives. We can also include a range of cutouts and mounting features that will come in handy once the unit is installed.

Enclosure Styles

We can customize your project to any shape and size, but below is a quick look at the most common options:

Rackmount Enclosures

We build many enclosures to the standard 19” rackmount configuration. The ability to customize the enclosure’s cutouts, holes, material strength, hardware, fasteners, and mounting features make our custom enclosures superior to commercially-available options.

U-Shape and L-Shape Enclosures

U-shape enclosures, or 3-sided “boxes” are a common request from clients working with electronics and circuit boards. The U-shape enclosure is very easy to customize, and can provide the right amount of through-panel access and other rack-mounting functionality options. We often build U-shape enclosures with custom cutouts, lengths, hardware, fasteners, and internal partitions. The L-shape enclosure is similar in concept, but has one less surface and is great for circuit boards with connectors on opposing sides. For both of these options, we offer a range of metal finishes, silk-screening, or decal application to decorate the surface of the finished product.

Box Enclosures

Many clients request five or six-sided boxes. Five-sided boxes are ideal for wall or floor placement, and can be secured to a flat surface with mounting flanges or corner flanges. Theses boxes can be crafted in any size, material, shape, or color and are especially useful for housing control panels and electronic devices. Six-sided boxes are a good option for standalone parts, or anything that needs to be mounted to a wheeled system. We can craft a six-sided box with an opening side or door, to ensure easy maintenance access. This type of enclosure is also useful for shipping, or for housing units that will be placed in remote or unknown locations.

 

Ready to learn more about how we can help? Contact us today.