Custom cutouts for enclosure

[james211]

I'm looking to get a standard enclosure with custom cutouts.  The issue I'm running into is the cost, its crazy expensive just to have a plate cut with simple cutouts.  Does anyone have any suggestions of a service they have used that is reasonable for low quantities?

[pmbrunelle]

Do you want one plate, or do you want a box with all the sides?

Or do you want someone to make cutouts in a standard enclosure?

I have dealt with this shop:
http://www.cbrlaser.com/

You are supplying the DXF ready-to-go, right?

[ve7xen]

Try to find a local laser / waterjet place. It'll still be expensive, but probably much cheaper than a quote you'd get online.

[james211]

Yeah good point.  I can get laser cut plexi for dirt cheap so I might substitute plexi for the metal plate.  I also considered doing a 3D print from 3D hubs since they can do aluminum and other metals now.  Just getting quotes then I'll decide which way to go.

[DerekG]

I can get laser cut plexi for dirt cheap so I might substitute plexi for the metal plate.

Also consider using regular fibreglass pcb material. It comes in a variety of thicknesses, is cheaply routed by a board manufacturer & you can have a silk screen added very cheaply.

[charlespax]

Do you have a specific off-the-shelf enclosure in mind? There's a ton of places here in Shenzhen that would do small quantities. They have plastic enclosures and the extruded aluminum enclosures.

Is this an open source hardware project? If so, I'd be happy to help you find a source.

[alexandrecvl]

Are you still interested, if yes, just look here: box.mwf-services.com and here: panels.mwf-services.com