Mistakes to Avoid While Ordering Enclosure for Circuit Boards

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If you are looking for an enclosure for a circuit board you can go for a modified enclosure or a custom enclosure. Indeed, there is a difference between a custom enclosure and a modified enclosure in cost and lead time. A modified enclosure is a standard enclosure on which specific operations like adding slots, holes, or cutouts have been performed to allow for specific component installation. There may also be other modifications like special colors, digital printing, etc. However, it does not change the shape or the basic character of the enclosure.

Enclosure for a Custom Circuit Board

On the other hand, a custom enclosure has been specifically designed for an application, although it may have its origin in a standard enclosure. So, there may be variations in the shape or dimension of the box in comparison to a standard box. It may include changing some basic features like changing a hinged closure to a screw closure. So, a custom enclosure may include a custom body with customized specifications and operation. But, the question remains – does it matter whether you get a custom or a modified enclosure? Let us compare the two types of enclosures.

Comparing Modified Enclosure and Enclosure for A Custom Circuit Board

Needless to say, a modified enclosure is much less expensive and quicker to make compared to a custom enclosure. There is no designing aspect involved in it. If you need an enclosure for a custom circuit board, it is a different story altogether. It requires time to develop the basic design and more time to modify it with tooling to meet specific criteria or ratings.

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For a modified enclosure it is easy to have specific ratings as the original box is already so rated. For a custom enclosure to have a specific rating it may take up to six months. Moreover, tooling costs are high. So, if you are making a custom enclosure, make sure to order in thousands of pieces. That can make it economical. Otherwise, it may become exorbitantly costly.

Conversely, if you do need to order huge quantities for a specific project it augurs well to have a custom enclosure. Indeed, if you need 100,000 pieces it makes sense to design an enclosure for a custom circuit board. This not only speeds up the assembly but also aligns the design closely with your corporate brand identity.

Wrapping Up

If modification serves your purpose, but your order runs into 100,000 pieces or more, you may better go for a custom enclosure since that helps maintain your brand identity at a low cost. For small quantities, however, customization can be way too expensive.