Customization Pointers

Factors impacting cost - After the enclosure, many items can affect cost. From the beginning design phase, Fibox will work with you to advise how to reduce costs. There may be a one time engineering charge to review the design and to program our CNC machinery. As well, usually there is a cost required to set up the CNC machine which is a recurring cost with each machining run of enclosures. Of course, the actual modifications also affect cost. A large cutout for a DIN meter is typically more expensive than a small round hole. A milled recess is more expensive than an open slot. The total time to machine the modification determines the cost.

One of the more significant cost drivers is the number of enclosure sides being modified, because each side requires its own program and each side requires set-up. For example, two holes on each of two sides will be more costly than four holes on one side. Also, the cover, lid, or door is a separate part, requiring a separate set-up and program.

The designer can control cost by understanding that different machining operations may require different tools. Tool changes, even when automatically done, require time. And, more time equals more money. In many cases a simple design change can minimize tool changes. For example, does that cutout corner radius really need to be 1 mm, or can it be 1.5 mm? Fibox personnel will review your design and offer suggestions to reduce cost.

Tight tolerances can be achieved in machining holes and hole pattern relationships, but specifying excessively tight tolerances will increase the cost. The repeatability of machined patterns, unit to unit, is excellent, but the nature of plastic means that overall enclosure dimensions may slightly change due to molding process variations. Dimensioning to piece part centerlines and mold parting lines minimizes the impact of these variations, and results in lower overall cost. Fibox staff is ready to assist with your specification.

To request more information on Fibox enclosures, Email: sales@fiboxusa.com.