Mechanical processing of plastic enclosures

Precision processing techniques

Every customer requirement is different! Consequently, standard enclosures, which can be ordered “as is” from stock, must be adapted to the specific customers‘ expectations and requirements. Modification using material-removing manufacturing processes plays a central part in our service portfolio. 

FROM THE PROTOTYPE TO SERIES-TYPE PRODUCTION

The wide range of options offered by OKW extends from mechanical processes such as milling, thread tapping and drilling through to precision techniques such as engraving, countersinking, sawing and punching. This article highlights the various processing techniques and the advantages that each method offers.

Milling of internal reduction for partially backlit surfaces by using LED technology (SMART-PANEL) 

MILLING 

Milling is a machining process in which material is removed using a rotating CNC milling machine. This method allows precise machining with tight tolerances and high accuracy on all surfaces of the plastic enclosures. Examples include cutouts for interfaces, push-button fittings, cable inlets/outlets, displays, recesses for screens/keypads/labels or for operating elements. Another interesting option offered by this process is the reduction of inner wall thickness in the enclosure for partially backlit surfaces, allowing light from LEDs located behind them to shine through. This is ideal for temperature or individual status displays, with the advantage that the IP protection class of the enclosure is not affected.

Enclosures with machining for press studs fastener installation (SOFT-CASE)

THREAD TAPPING 

Thread tapping is a special technique in which male or female threads (>M2) are cut into plastic parts using special thread tapping tools.

DRILLING 

Drilling is the most commonly used method for making holes in materials and is particularly suitable for holes of different diameters, e.g., for LEDs or cable bushings.

ENGRAVING

Engraving is a surface treatment process that involves creating precise and detailed recesses. As an alternative to engraving, we also offer laser marking.

COUNTERSINKING 

Countersinking is a process for further machining of drilled holes, allowing screw heads to be flush-mounted. This technique is often used when a clean, flush installation is required.

SAWING 

Sawing is used to cut aluminium profiles to the desired length.

Sawing of aluminium profile in special length (e.g. SYNERGY enclosure)

PUNCHING 

Punching is a method in which shapes are "pressed out" of plastic surfaces using punching tools. At OKW, we use this process whenever sharp-edged corner radii are required.

The mechanical processing of plastic enclosures involves a wide range of techniques, each with its own advantages. The choice of the appropriate method depends primarily on the customer’s requirements. Together with our customers, we can identify the most effective solutions and are fully prepared to combine several processes when required.

PANELS AND DISPLAY SCREENS

In addition to our standard front panel range, we also offer blanks in plastic and aluminium, in individual sizes and shapes or finished components. To protect electronic displays, we also produce display screens from different materials, such as PMMA Antiflex (one-sided anti-reflective coating to minimise reflections), and PMMA Lux acrylic, crystal clear or black, for infrared applications.

Standard enclosure (INTERFACE-TERMINAL) with individual front panel (plexiglass)

SIDESTEP – CUSTOMER FAQS EXPLAINED IN SHORT FORM

• What should drawings for customer-specific CNC processing look like?
  That depends on the type of processing involved. In the first step, a dimensional sketch is perfectly adequate (important: details must be dimensioned). Ideally, customers should provide a 3D model in .step or .iges format with the necessary processing (File formats such as DWG or DXF are not suitable).
  TIP: Detailed 3D models of our standard enclosures are available to download from the product pages on our website. Simply add the machining you require.
  
  
• I am not an expert in creating drawings and do not have the necessary resources.
  Our staff in production and work preparation are always happy to provide competent advice and assistance in preparing drawings.
  
  
• Why are drawings required that I must approve?
  This is necessary in complex processes in order to ensure that all customer requirements are implemented exactly as desired.

• Are approved drawings also required for simple processing?
  No. In this case, informational drawings that do not require separate approval are sufficient. This significantly reduces lead times.
  
  
• Why should I use OKW's processing service? I could drill the holes myself.
  • We have modern machinery and the necessary equipment, such as custom-fit fixtures and high-quality tools (drills, milling tools and much more).
  • Skilled personnel, decades of experience and expertise allow us to complete all orders as quickly as possible and in top reproducible quality.
  • There is no risk of any waste (if caused by OKW). If customers carry out their own processing, any extras or test parts required for machine setup must also be ordered. 
    
  
  
• What are the manufacturing tolerances?
  Information on manufacturing tolerances can be found in our data sheet Tolerances for injection-moulded plastic parts and customising
  

Discover the potential of our mechanical processing services! You will find more examples on our website.