How hard can it be to find a decent enclosure? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: IonizedGears
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2013, 08:30:29 pm
content: I need an enclosure that is at least 11" x 5" x 5" (27.94 cm x 12.7 cm x 12.7 cm) but can't find one with a lot of searching that is under $20, plastic or metal.Those that I can find either cost 50-$200, or are too small in at least one dimension.Does anyone know of an enclosure than I can get 11 of, one for each of my classmates for this school project.The enclosure is for a power supply.

author: fluxcapacitor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2013, 03:23:03 pm
content: are those dims exteernal or internal .Have a look on rapidonlinehttp://www.rapidonline.com/mechanical-fastenings-fixings/transformer-psu-case-30-3190

author: IonizedGears
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2013, 04:31:52 pm
content: QuoteBelieve me, I've looked and looked an hour more because of your post directing me, and still i can't find one the right size that is at least $20-25. Ebay doesn't have one like that and neither does hammondQuote from: fluxcapacitor on November 11, 2013, 03:23:03 pmThe board i am putting in has to hold a transformer that is about 3" x 3" x 3"(7.62 x 7.62 x 7.62 cm)? And a board that is 11" x 3" x 3"(27.94 cm x 7.62 cm x 7.62 cm) because it has heat sinks all along the board.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2013, 05:01:35 pm
content: What about cheap PC cases?

author: IonizedGears
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2013, 05:08:53 pm
content: Quote from: NiHaoMike on November 11, 2013, 05:01:35 pmWhat the hell is wrong with the industry,http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-MicroATX-Tower-Computer-FBM-01/dp/B005LIDU5S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384189407&sr=8-1&keywords=mini+atx+caseA computer case like this with stamped metal and molded plastic + wires and a fan for $23, yet not one single large enough project box that is reasonably priced.Granted they probably would use thicker metal but it takes much less machines to make a simple project box than a computer case.

author: jolshefsky
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2013, 05:50:24 pm
content: Quote from: IonizedGears on November 10, 2013, 08:30:29 pmWhy not just build your own?As the rule goes: "cost, time, features: pick one." You have a hard physical size requirement and desire to control cost, so that leaves time. You can whittle one for real cheap, but it'll take a while.

author: Jon Chandler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2013, 06:00:08 pm
content: Look at cambros for food service storage. These are available in a large range of sizes, a couple different materials and feature a tight-fitting press-on lid.

author: Jon86
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2013, 06:03:50 pm
content: Quote from: IonizedGears on November 11, 2013, 05:08:53 pmA lot more PC Cases are manufactured than project boxes, takes the cost down a ton.

author: fluxcapacitor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2013, 06:06:25 pm
content: Quote from: jolshefsky on November 11, 2013, 05:50:24 pmTake a look at the opencompute project, thay have a psu and case design (CAD)drawings,it wouldnt be too difficult to modify to suit your needs.http://www.opencompute.org/projects/power-supply/

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2013, 10:19:07 am
content: I pretty much gave up on trying to find my Flux Capacitor enclosure for the same reasons. It didn't have to be screen accurate but close enough that the casual observer would instantly recognize it. But boxes of that type tend to be $60 in general because they're all tested and safety rated and apparently nobody makes knockoffs.Today though I went the ultimate cheap route for a small project box and bought 2 stud mounted blue electrical boxes for housing an outlet or switch and two blank wall plates for a total of 1.68 I think at Lowes.