Difference between revisions of "Creating an enclosure to mount a PCB"
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{{Procedure| | {{Procedure| | ||
#Do one of the following | #Do one of the following | ||
| − | #*Open Protocase | + | #*Open Protocase Designer and click '''New File''', or, if Protocase Designer is already open, '''New''' in the '''File''' menu, |
| − | |||
#Click '''Rackmount Enclosures''', then click '''Rackmount'''.<br><br>[[File:window-newassembly-rackmount-color.png|500px|thumb|centre|New Assembly window]]<br> | #Click '''Rackmount Enclosures''', then click '''Rackmount'''.<br><br>[[File:window-newassembly-rackmount-color.png|500px|thumb|centre|New Assembly window]]<br> | ||
#Enter a '''Depth''' of 15 (inches) and '''Height''' of 2 (U). | #Enter a '''Depth''' of 15 (inches) and '''Height''' of 2 (U). | ||
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#Select 14 (.075) for all thicknesses. | #Select 14 (.075) for all thicknesses. | ||
#On the '''View''' menu, click '''Show/Hide Parts'''.<br><br>[[File:dialogbox-showhideparts-rackmount.png|300px|thumb|centre|Show/Hide Parts dialog box]]<br> | #On the '''View''' menu, click '''Show/Hide Parts'''.<br><br>[[File:dialogbox-showhideparts-rackmount.png|300px|thumb|centre|Show/Hide Parts dialog box]]<br> | ||
| − | #Click to clear the '''Cover''' check box. This will hide the cover | + | #Click to clear the '''Cover''' check box. This will hide the cover, letting you view the inside of the enclosure.<br><br>[[File:window-main-rackmount-nocover.png|400px|thumb|centre|3D View window—rackmount enclosure with cover hidden]] |
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 15:54, 1 October 2013
One of the most common uses for Protocase Designer is to design a custom enclosure to mount a PCB and associated components. This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating a custom rackmount enclosure to mount a mini-ITX PCB using self-clinching fasteners, and create cutouts for the PCB, power supply, and fan.
Contents
- 1 Select components to mount in enclosure
- 2 Determine mounting specifications for components
- 3 Determine mounting locations for components
- 4 Create enclosure from template
- 5 Add PCB and power supply cutouts to rear panel
- 6 Add built-in fan cutout to rear panel
- 7 Add self-clinching fasteners to chassis
Select components to mount in enclosure
Determine mounting specifications for components
- Note: Mounting dimensions are not needed for the 60mm fan since a built-in cutout for the fan will be used.
- Note: It is important to properly understand how to mount each component including any required clearances.
Determine mounting locations for components
- Note: Dimensions are always measured from the absolute origin on the OUTSIDE of the enclosure (i.e. you must factor in the thickness of the enclosure)
Create enclosure from template
Add PCB and power supply cutouts to rear panel
This enclosure requires two rectangular cutouts on the rear panel to accommodate the mini-ITX PCB and power supply. Template:Procedure
Add built-in fan cutout to rear panel
Protocase Designer® offers a library of cutouts for common components including fans of various sizes. Template:Procedure
Add self-clinching fasteners to chassis
Template:Procedure You can now customize your enclosure further by adding additional cutouts, silkscreen, and hardware to the other faces and then request an instant quote.
