Difference between revisions of "Creating an enclosure to mount a PCB"

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m (Create enclosure from template)
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==Create enclosure from template==
 
==Create enclosure from template==
 
{{Procedure|
 
{{Procedure|
#Open Protocase Designer and click '''New File''', or, if Protocase Designer is already open, '''New''' in the '''File''' menu,  
+
#Open Protocase Designer and click '''New File''', or, if Protocase Designer is already open, click '''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).

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.

Select components to mount in enclosure

Template:Procedure

Determine mounting specifications for components

Template:Procedure

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

Template:Procedure

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

Template:Procedure

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.