It’s an old debate. To deliver new technology solutions, should you build them in-house or buy them off the shelf? For enclosures, there are three broad categories:
Off the shelf
Off the shelf and modify
Fully custom build
Although almost everything we do is custom built, we help many folks with the “make versus buy” decision. Sometimes the volume and needs analysis does not justify a custom enclosure.
While there will be pros, cons, and trade-offs associated with either choice, putting a solid framework in place will position your team for success. So, where do you start and how will you decide?
Ultimately, these are the key considerations:
The problem that’s being solved
The costs
The timing
The desired flexibility (current and future)
We have a simple approach to help you understand the tradeoffs. Production volume is a big factor, but connectors, ventilation, mounting feet, doors, lids, access panels, displays, and circuit board mounting features also need to be considered.
We are always available if you want to chat about your particular design case.
Factors:
How many do you need now?
Will you make more than 200 units a year?
What is the long term monthly production volume?
How many connectors will your unit have?
Does the user need internal access?
Does it have hot swappable components?
Does it need a ventilation pattern? How many? Cooling Fans?
Does it need mounting feet?
Does it need a lid? How many?
How many access panels does it need?
How many LEDs will it have?
How many circuit boards does it have and how are they mounted relative to each other?
Any other special uniqueness needed?
Material
Waterproofing
Environment
Rack mounting
Special flexibility
How will the product be sold?
Amazon, website, direct sales to end customers, other?
Buy an Off-the-Shelf Enclosure
If you are only making a handful of devices, the decision may be easy. If you have simple needs and no special requirements, using an off-the-shelf enclosure is less risky and the schedule is more predictable.
Typically, off-the-shelf enclosures have been debugged by many people which lowers your risk. It has probably been through several iterations and has been refined and improved. Standard off-the-shelf enclosures may conform to other standards that you may not be aware of. For example, shipping, packing, or mounting standards. Using an off-the-shelf enclosure may help you solve these external constraints.
Regardless, watch out for supply chain challenges. You might find the perfect off-the-shelf solution and find out the delivery time on the website was not correct. This happens a lot in our current dynamic world. The supply fails faster than the website can be updated (not connected). Recently, we had a potential client visit us with specific functional needs and a very small quantity need. Between on-hand components and our ability to 3D print just about anything, we were able to offer a very low cost and rapid solution.
Semi-Custom Enclosures (Buy and Modify)
A modified enclosure is less expensive and faster to produce compared to a custom enclosure. Normally, vendors offer semi-custom enclosures with options which are cheap and fast so as long as you don’t have many mods. The cost of labor may be a major factor and also beware of the vendor possibly changing the design midway through your process. If you don’t own the design, it will change when you probably aren’t ready for it. One mitigation is to identify an enclosure that is produced in high volumes and supports many industries. The chance of change is much less since they can generate good business revenue without NRE.
Custom Enclosure
Custom enclosures provide the most flexibility and allow you to address thermal issues with flexible options for fans and cooling. Special front panel interface requirements may also push you into this solution. One significant benefit is full ownership of the design. With a clever design, you can fundamentally add value to your product and also help to differentiate your product.
We Are Here to Help
We are always available if you want to chat about your particular design case.
