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I was told my enclosure should be made of 16 ga steel. What does this mean?
'ga' or 'gage' refers to the thickness of the material being used. The following table shows the actual thickness for various gages of steel, both plain steel and stainless steel...
| Gage # | Plain Steel | Stainless Steel |
| 11 | 0.120 in | 0.125 in |
| 12* | 0.105 in | 0.109 in |
| 14 | 0.075 in | 0.078 in |
| 16 | 0.060 in | 0.063 in |
| 18 | 0.048 in | 0.050 in |
| 20 | 0.036 in | 0.038 in |
| 22 | 0.030 in | 0.031 in |
| 24 | 0.024 in | 0.025 in |
| * this is not a stocked item |
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Which types of material does Protocase use in manufacturing enclosures?
Protocase manufactures its enclosures from steel, both plain steel and stainless steel.
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What does a 1U enclosure mean?
1U is a standard rack enclosure height. It refers to the height of the front panel and also dictates the location of the front panel mounting holes. The following table shows the front panel height for the various standards.
| Standard | Nominal Front Panel height |
| 1U | 1.75 in |
| 2U | 3.50 in |
| 3U | 5.25 in |
| 4U | 7.00 in |
| 5U | 8.75 in |
| 6U | 10.50 in |
| 7U | 12.25 in |
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What is the biggest enclosure you can make?
This depends on how many pieces it is made of. The largest single sheet of steel we work from if 4 ft x 8 ft.
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Are there limitations on the shape of the enclosure?
There are always limitations to the shape of the enclosure. When unusual shapes are being considered, we need to look at each design on an individual basis. One of the biggest problems we come across is the tightness of bends required in an enclosure. Two or more bends that are too close together represent the most common problem.
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How can I send you my idea of an enclosure?
An electronic CAD file is the best way. Ideally a 3D model such as Solidworks or an IGES file works best. Otherwise, AutoCad dxf or dwg drawings will suffice. If you don't have CAD capability, fax (1-902-567-3336) or email (info@protocase.com) us your hand sketch and we can take it from there.
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What is a self-clinching fastener?
To facilitate mounting your printed circuit boards, power supplies, or other devices, Protocase offers a variety of self-clinching threaded standoffs, threaded studs, or nuts. These come fully pressed into your enclosure or part, and are available in both metric and english sizes. Standard sizes include #4-40, #6-32, #8-32, #10-24, M3, M4, and M5. Please identify your desired fasteners in the enclosure drawing that you will provide to us if/when you place your order. More information on self-clinching fasteners can be found here.
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Are there restrictions on the shape and size of cutouts?
There are virtually no restrictions. We can cut almost any shape or size cutout provided it fits within our enclosure size limitations.
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What are the dimensional tolerances of your enclosures?
We can typically hold .010 inches for enclosures. Tolerances in the sheet metal world are generally kept very loose. This is because in many cases, the manufacturer is using conventional bending equipment, where it is tough to maintain even loose tolerances. In our case, where we use full CNC bending equipment, it is no problem for us to hold .010" on bends, even better in most cases, usually to within .005". However, this is not the norm. It is the exception.
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What are the dimensional tolerances of your cutouts?
Typically .005 inches.
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Is there a maximum number of cutouts you can do per side?
When there are lots of cutouts close together the density of the holes makes it difficult to try to complete with a single pass. Heat buildup could cause some warping as the material is being cut. It likely can be done, but it will not be as cost effective as some alternatives would be. For example, ventilation slots instead of holes? Ventilation slots would be a more cost effective solution.
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I need some brackets to hold down power supplies and fans. Can you supply these?
Yes, we can provide you with your hold down accessories as well as the enclosure.
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Can you install my hardware?
Yes we can install your specified self-clinching fasteners, studs and nuts.
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I only need one enclosure for a prototype design. What do you consider low-volume?
We specialize in low-volume and prototype quantity runs. We cater specifically to developers at the prototyping stages and to companies that manufacture custom equipment, who are looking for true low-volume runs.
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My enclosure requires sealed seams. Can you seam weld my enclosure?
Our welding capabilities include spot welding (for simple flanged enclosures) and MIG/TIG for fully sealed seams.
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Do you grind after seam welding?
Welds are ground smooth prior to finishing.
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Can you silk-screen my front and rear panels?
Yes. All we need is your graphic and we can take it from there. Silk-screening typically adds a couple of days to our delivery.
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What standard silk-screen colors do you offer?
Standard colors are black and white. We also can supply non-standard colors but sometimes these will add to the delivery time and/or cost. More information on silk screening can be found here.
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I need my enclosure right away. It's not a standard shape and has some unusual cutouts. How fast can you deliver?
Most enclosures are typically shipped within 2-3 business days after the client has approved the design. For enclosure with silk screening add 1-2 business days.
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What standard powder coat colors do you offer?
Standard colors include black, white, and beige. These can be either matte or textured finishes. We also can supply non-standard colors but sometimes these will add to the delivery time and/or cost. More information on powder coat can be found here.
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I have limited CAD capability. Can you help me with my design?
We support many customers with Computer Aided Design (CAD) Services. Once we establish a rough idea of your requirement, we can give you a firm price on the enclosure as well as the design fee. Very often design services don't exceed $100 US.
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If you do the design for me, can I review the design before it is made?
We supply every customer with an eDrawings of his or her enclosure or part prior to it entering production. This is a 3-D model of the enclosure and provides the client the ability to verify dimensions, view the enclosure from all angles, view section cutaways to inspect the inside and dissemble the enclosure to view each part that makes up the assembly. This model is a simple html file and requires no special software to run, just an Internet Explorer 5.5+. And best of all, it's free.
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How long will I have to wait for my enclosure?
There are two stages to the ordering process. Once the order is received, an eDrawings is produced and sent to the client for approval. eDrawings are typically sent out within 24 hours of receiving the order. Once an authorization to proceed is received from the client, we typically will ship within 2-3 business days. For enclosures with silk-screening, add 1-2 days.
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Can you manufacture aluminium enclosures?
Currently we only manufacture from plain and stainless steel.
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How do you ship my order?
We ship the products by express courier, unless otherwise notified to us.
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What is your return policy?
If there is a problem with the product, please contact us right away. We will replace, at no cost, any product not manufactured in accordance with client approved eDrawings or any product not deemed to be of acceptable quality to both Protocase and the client.
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What size stand-offs do you stock?
To facilitate mounting your printed circuit boards, power supplies, or other devices, Protocase offers a variety of self-clinching threaded standoffs, threaded studs, or nuts. These come fully pressed into your enclosure or part, and are available in both metric and english sizes. Standard sizes include #4-40, #6-32, #8-32, #10-24, M3, M4, and M5. Please identify your desired fasteners in the enclosure drawing that you will provide to us when you place your order. More information on stand-offs can be found here.
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What are my payment options?
Protocase Payment Terms: Payment by credit card, we accept Visa, American Express and MasterCard. Net 30 accounts available for approved clients on multiple purchases.
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