Nice, Inexpensive Custom Enclosures

[John]

A great way to build a really slick box for your project is to get an off-the-shelf plastic enclosure that has an opening for a metal panel (try Pactec, Serpac, Hammond Mfg, Keystone). Then, use the panel dimensions from the manufacturer's datasheet and get a cnc-machined panel from Front Panel Express (http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/).

The free Front Panel Designer software is very easy to use and gives you an instant price quote for your design. The prices are very reasonable considering the excellent quality and turn-time. Here are some examples of panels from Front Panel Express:

http://glitchdesk.com/glitchdesk/

Tip: Import an HPGL file for any engraving to reduce cost vs. objects drawn with the designer software.

Enclosure links:

http://www.serpac.com/
http://www.pactecenclosures.com/
http://www.hammondmfg.com/
http://www.keyelco.com/

Available from:

http://www.mouser.com/
http://www.digikey.com/

[k1ds3ns4t10n]

Great information! thanks for posting this. FYI, pactec offers free samples :D
http://www.pactecenclosures.com/free_sample.lfml

[John]

Here's another manufacturer that provides free samples. These are very high quality and rather pricey, but there are several models that will accept a machined panel.

http://www.tekoenclosures.com/

[k1ds3ns4t10n]

Ouch, yeah those are pricey, even in large quantities. However, free samples are always good!