Control Enclosure Sources

[photomankc]

Anyone got some ideas or sources for good sized enclosures that don't break the bank to house my Cnc control electronics? I was going to convert a PC tower but find that it's becoming a nightmare to deal with all the little nooks and crannies in the case and sealing it up is going to be a real issue. I'd rather use something a bit more of just a big box inside where my placement is not so constrained. I saw some NEMA enclosures but they were running up towards $250.

[jid2]

I have this same exact situation and question. If I can't find something I guess I will fabricate one at some point. I'm going to get my machine running on what I have - but I really don't like it.

Open to suggestions as well.

[Al_The_Man]

I found a few ebay sellers at different times with good deals, many with a disconnect terminals fusing etc.
Al.

[awetmore]

I just got an Hammond enclosure from either Digikey or Mouser. It was around $50, fits all of my electronics well, and it was easy to CNC nice faceplates and backplates to match my connectors and switches.

I'm pretty sure that it is one of these:
Hammond Mfg. - Metal - Instrument Enclosures (1402 Series) (probably 1402KV)

I'm using a Keling 48V power supply, Gecko G540, a small custom board for powering my switching relays, and an 80mm fan. If you have other drivers you'd probably need a larger case.

alex

[mhackney]

Search enclosures in this forum and you'll get lots of other ideas. I got the larger enclosure from CNC4PC for my G0704 electronics and it is fine. I used a really heavy duty enclosure for my X2 (can't recall where I got it but it is in my X2 build thread).

Cheers,
Michael

[SCzEngrgGroup]

E-Bay, and a little patience, are your friends. I got a Hoffman NEMA12 enclosure, 24" x 24" x 12" for $99. That's about an $800 weatherproof heavy steel box (the empty enclosure must've weight over 50 pounds!). They are out there, you just have to be persistent, and patient.

Regards,
Ray L.

[mhackney]

Here's the source I used for my X2: 12x8x6 enclosure They have LOTs of other sizes.

Cheers,
Michael

[Starleper1]

I get all my enclosures from AutomationDirect. I don't think they are too pricey, and they have a wide range of sizes. Just don't forget to order the sub panel to go with it.

I think it's worth spending a little extra cash to get a nice looking enclosure. It really depends on your budget though.

But from the work I've seen you do, I don't think a shoddy computer case is really your style.

[bladehunter]

I'm using a 3U rack enclosure for Stepper PS and drives. A 2U is containing the BOB and the more sensitive electronic controls. I just wanted a little isolation, hopefully noise from one to the other shouldn't be a hassle.

[photomankc]

I think it's worth spending a little extra cash to get a nice looking enclosure. It really depends on your budget though.

But from the work I've seen you do, I don't think a shoddy computer case is really your style.

Well, you are talking to the guy who is happily using shower curtains as a sudo enclosure here. In the beginning it was good enough but now all the hacks and make-do's required to get it done are making far less appealing.

Thanks for all the source suggestions from you all. I have time and patience. The cobbeled together wooden control mount is getting it done so I can take some time to locate what I'm looking for.

[SCzEngrgGroup]

Also, figure out ahead of time how big an enclosure you need, then buy one at least twice that size! They ALWAYS end up too small....

Regards,
Ray L.

[LUCKY13]

I went to Sears and bought a two door size cabinet (all though it really just has one big door)which works out very good. Wall Mart, Lowes and other places would have the same. I used one of the sides as a face which you can drill the holes for mounting connectors,switches and such, or cut out panels and make new ones to bolt in with what you need. Doing the panel approach works good because you can always replace them and make changes to the setup.

This route is less than a bill so its not to expessive. It can also be sealed up pretty easy, mount fans for air flow, and even have rear exit wires plus a control face. AT about a foot wide it mounts to the side of any enclosure pretty easy also. The Tormach cabinet is a close example of how it turned out, all though I think abit deeper ( or in the way I used it wider).


Jess