Difference between revisions of "Creating an enclosure to mount a PCB"
From Protocase Designer Documentation
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==Determine mounting specifications for components== | ==Determine mounting specifications for components== | ||
{{Procedure| | {{Procedure| | ||
| − | #Determine the mounting hole and cutout dimensions and locations for all the components.<br><br>[[File:sketch-powersupply-pcb.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Top | + | #Determine the mounting hole and cutout dimensions and locations for all the components.<br><br>[[File:sketch-powersupply-pcb.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Top view: Sketch of power supply and PCB mounting dimensions]]<br>[[File:sketch-powersupply-pcb-rear.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Rear view: Sketch of power supply and PCB mounting dimensions]]<br> |
| − | }}{{Note|Mounting dimensions are not needed for the 60mm fan since a built-in cutout for the fan will be used. | + | }}{{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. | }}{{Note|It is important to properly understand how to mount each component including any required clearances. | ||
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#Determine mounting location for all components | #Determine mounting location for all components | ||
#Determine cutout, mounting hole, and self-clinching fastener sizes to mount all components | #Determine cutout, mounting hole, and self-clinching fastener sizes to mount all components | ||
| − | #Create a sketch of all required mounting dimensions.<br><br>[[File:sketch-mounting-dimensions.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Top | + | #Create a sketch of all required mounting dimensions.<br><br>[[File:sketch-mounting-dimensions.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Top view: Sketch of power supply and PCB mounting dimensions]]<br>[[File:sketch-mounting-dimensions-rear.jpg|600px|thumb|center|Rear view: Sketch of power supply and PCB mounting dimensions]]<br> |
| − | }}{{Note|Dimensions are always measured from the absolute origin shown on the OUTSIDE of the base of the enclosure | + | }}{{Note|Dimensions are always measured from the absolute origin shown on the OUTSIDE of the base of the enclosure, and therefore you must factor in the thickness of the enclosure.}} |
==Create enclosure from template== | ==Create enclosure from template== | ||
Revision as of 15:39, 29 April 2014
One of the most common uses for Protocase Designer is to design a custom enclosure to mount a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 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 shown on the OUTSIDE of the base of the enclosure, and therefore 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.
