Hi Dave,
Here are some ideas: This depends on how flexible you are on your design of course.
https://www.okwenclosures.com/en/Products/Plastic-enclosures.htm#Table-top-/-instrument-enclosuresPhoenix Mechano (Rose/Bopla enclosures) could be a possibility. They also offer machining and silk screen/engraving etc. I have used them for industrial stuff for
decades.
https://www.phoenix-mecano.co.uk/products/enclosure-technologyPics off their website of possible models attached . They can be a bit pricey but I don't specifically know what your target is.
These days the enclosure is as expensive or more expensive than the electronics that goes in it.
I did a design of a two piece similar to a bud box for a friend of mine in SW and had them made out of aluminum punched painted and silkscreened cost was well over $35.00USD each not including shipping (pre plandemic) at 100 pieces. Now they are approaching $50.00USD each. We are having these made locally no problems with the quality or fit but are considering other options due to cost.
You can see the current design at the link below. If you could find a local sheet metal shop that has CNC punching and bending capability perhaps you could do something similar. The nice thing about SW for this is it works out all of the compensation for the sheet metal bends.
https://midwayelectronics.us/qrp/For your sloped cabinet design how about also taking one of the common Chinese extrusions and cutting it to the slope you want and then use a PCB designed to fit as the front panel? Some of these extruded enclosures out of China are cheap. You could cut one at a slope and then mount that on the top of a matching one to get the flat area you want. Many of them slide apart as well.
I do wish you well on your search as I feel your pain.
Here is a real challenge for you and forum members:
For hard to find how about a source for knobs for encoders that do not have a line or indicator on them that will fit the common 6mm "D" shaft (like the bourns PEC16 or 12 line of encoders)?
I would love to find matching ones in gray that are say 10mm and 14mm in diameter for instrumentation use and perhaps a 25mm flat one for a "wheelie" type knob that you find on common HP instruments (like the HP8648 series for example). As common as these knob sizes are on T&M equipment they seem impossible to find. I may be able to find one that is perfect but I never can find the companion size.
All the best!
Sam
W3OHM