Joe[/quote]

Can you enlighten us all on what materials we would use and how much it would cost to make an enclosure from scratch?

Do you know of a website link that you can provide us on how to make our own rackmount enclosure?

Are there any manufacturers and/or distributors where we can buy well made enclosure in either steel or aluminum for a VERY reasonable price?

Thank you for all your help ahead of time Joe.

CHEERS![/quote]

Hi... there are a few other ways to make some good looking enclosures too besides the method JD described. It's pretty straightforward sure but still, it's a lotta work I think. It is also described in a lot of detail for fancy tube amp builders in a book called Building Tube Amps (I think?) I have it... you use aluminum channel, plate, taps and dies and the enclosures are very strong and nice for high end fancy audiophile equipment.

I'm a big fan of recycling enclosures, just about everything I've built has been in modified boxes that are often really high quality. Like I got a 24" deep 3U UPS box with simple fron and rear panels that could be re-used so I cut it in three sections and made a rear panel for the front section with 3mm aluminum ... the whole thing cost me 6$ and I can get two more enclosures out of it. I got a really cheesy 2U network box at a hamfest for $2 and replaced the front panel with a $3 3mm panel and it also came out pretty decent... not proffessional at all but still really usable. Here's a picture.





The paint was the most expensive thing on that box.

Also! The hammond mid size boxes just happen to be perfect for a 2U enclosure and cost lest than half of what a par-metal box would be. Again, just add a front panel.

I also scavenge old computer equipment boxes to build non-rackmount stuff and pedals. I work in a computer store owned by DIY hackers with junk going back to the early 80s so I have an advantage there. :razz: Here is a broken CSU/DSU box that I'm building a preamp in.



I've thought about this a lot too because unlike some folks my DIY projects are always drastically cheaper than the equivalent commercial stuff and the cost of a really nice finished enclosure would often be more than I could afford for an entire project.

HTH, and welcome to the forum it is a really remarkable place. :razz:

Kiira

[quote author="Tweak"][quote author="JRE Productions"]In the old forum I post a DIY rack enclosure. I wonder if the pictures are still floating around. They are quite easy to make from items at Home Depot.Joe[/quote]Can you enlighten us all on what materials we would use and how much it would cost to make an enclosure from scratch?Do you know of a website link that you can provide us on how to make our own rackmount enclosure?Are there any manufacturers and/or distributors where we can buy well made enclosure in either steel or aluminum for a VERY reasonable price?Thank you for all your help ahead of time Joe.CHEERS![/quote]Hi... there are a few other ways to make some good looking enclosures too besides the method JD described. It's pretty straightforward sure but still, it's a lotta work I think. It is also described in a lot of detail for fancy tube amp builders in a book called Building Tube Amps (I think?) I have it... you use aluminum channel, plate, taps and dies and the enclosures are very strong and nice for high end fancy audiophile equipment.I'm a big fan of recycling enclosures, just about everything I've built has been in modified boxes that are often really high quality. Like I got a 24" deep 3U UPS box with simple fron and rear panels that could be re-used so I cut it in three sections and made a rear panel for the front section with 3mm aluminum ... the whole thing cost me 6$ and I can get two more enclosures out of it. I got a really cheesy 2U network box at a hamfest for $2 and replaced the front panel with a $3 3mm panel and it also came out pretty decent... not proffessional at all but still really usable. Here's a picture.The paint was the most expensive thing on that box.Also! The hammond mid size boxes just happen to be perfect for a 2U enclosure and cost lest than half of what a par-metal box would be. Again, just add a front panel.I also scavenge old computer equipment boxes to build non-rackmount stuff and pedals. I work in a computer store owned by DIY hackers with junk going back to the early 80s so I have an advantage there. :razz: Here is a broken CSU/DSU box that I'm building a preamp in.I've thought about this a lot too because unlike some folks my DIY projects are always drastically cheaper than the equivalent commercial stuff and the cost of a really nice finished enclosure would often be more than I could afford for an entire project.HTH, and welcome to the forum it is a really remarkable place. :razz:Kiira

Rdekono contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

Benefits of a Modular Enclosure

Because the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) has accelerated the evolution of industrial engineering, it&#;s generally a good idea to err on the side of versatility. But there are several misconceptions or misunderstandings about the traits and attributes of a modular enclosure. A fully realized modular enclosure will help you respond better to market demands, supply chain logistics and other variant-rich environments with greater flexibility, agility and speed.

What a Modular Enclosure Is and Isn&#;t

There are specifically three terms that are used incorrectly.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Custom Rack Enclosure.

Unibody Enclosure &#; Often constructed with welded steel or other heavy sheet metal, their rigid design can hamper maintenance, repair or modification of the enclosure and the equipment within it.

Modified Enclosure &#; While a modified enclosure can have some of the same traits as a modular enclosure, it simply encompasses an enclosure with custom holes or tapping

Modular Enclosure &#; an industrial enclosure with accessories or panels that can easily be reconfigured or rearranged within its standard frame. It virtually eliminates costly machining and fabrication as your device components change.

Benefits of a Modular Enclosure

1. Infinite configurations &#; Modular frames come with pre-drilled holes using the EIA&#;s standardized unit of measurement. And common accessories or network devices can be added to the interior without additional drilling or welding. Plus, these frames can easily be bayed together to create nearly infinite configurations.
2. Faster mounting & installation &#; Using rails, an integrator can easily slide panels into or out of the front, side or rear openings of an enclosure. Mounting becomes easier and faster when compared to the unibody technique of laying an enclosure on its back and lifting the panel with a forklift or crane. This all adds up to saving you time and money.
3. Built to last &#; Due to its vertical framing, a modular cabinet won&#;t lose any of its strength or protective qualities.
4. Flexibility &#; A designer, integrator, engineer and end user each have the freedom to make assemblies as basic or as complex as a job requires. Again, components can be arranged without the need to cut or weld. This allows for varied and unique configurations inside, while also allowing flexible cable or maintenance entry. Any enclosure can be adapted to meet your  needs.
5. Maximizes floor space &#; Space is a premium and all floor designers / engineers want to maximize the square-footage at their disposal. Modular enclosures can be customized or tailored to fit specific applications in a variety of environments. They unlock efficiencies and flexibility though both inner and outer mounting levels, multiple baying opportunities and accommodate a variety of connection configurations.

Core Elements of a Modular Enclosure

The prime characteristics of a modular enclosure include:

Are you interested in learning more about Custom Enclosure Solutions? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

1. Protection of enclosed devices / equipment &#; There are several physical stressors present in any given environment: tampering, water, mold, corrosion. And just like traditional unibody designs, a modular enclosure can be certified to rugged industry standards (MIL-S-901D, NEMA). Properly assess local weather conditions, corrosive substances and even resistance levels of internal components.
2. Compartmentalization &#; A modular design allows you to compartmentalize separate pieces of IT equipment or add thermal accessories to help with climate control. It removes the need to source several cabinets or climate-control systems. It also saves floor space!
3. Ease of modification &#; It&#;s easier to scale up or scale down manufacturing needs based on production sequence, customer demand, space or other factors with a modular design. And users can easily swap parts out for new ones and modify panels.
4. Mounting panels &#; The most commonly modified part of any enclosure, the mounting panel in a modular design allows for the addition of rails, making it possible to slide the panel into and out of the front, side or rear openings. It eliminates the need to lay the enclosure on its back and lifting the panel with a crane or forklift.
5. Availability of sizes and types &#; While available in traditional sizes, it can also be configured to specific applications with full size or partial doors, multiple mounting panels and entry points.