PCB protection/case

[alank2]

Has anyone around here used plastic plates to protect a pcb?  It seems like I've seen projects do something like this from time to time.  Instead of trying to get a whole case, it looks like a one or more plates added together to form a case of sorts.  Maybe even just a top plastic plate and a bottom one.  Are there places that manufacture them cheaply like pcb's?

[coppercone2]

you can get them designed and manufactured, they are good in equipment to prevent stuff from blowing up incase a screw driver bit falls down on a PCB

[fourfathom]

Has anyone around here used plastic plates to protect a pcb?  It seems like I've seen projects do something like this from time to time.  Instead of trying to get a whole case, it looks like a one or more plates added together to form a case of sorts.  Maybe even just a top plastic plate and a bottom one.  Are there places that manufacture them cheaply like pcb's?

People also use PCB material in this way, often using the same fab house that makes the circuit board.  Look at the NanoVNA to see an example.

[DaJMasta]

Something like laser cut acrylic looks particularly nice if you want to see the board, but 3d printing a more form fitting case is also a really nice option for low volume production/one offs.  Requires some CAD design, but there are free tools that are good if you can spend the time to learn them a bit.

For cases though, there's always the option of finding a case and fitting your project to it.  Harder to do after the fact, but especially before this sort of on-demand prototyping of case bits was easy, that was definitely the simplest option.

[alank2]

I think it is laser cut acrylic I was thinking about; just didn't know what to call it.

[phil from seattle]

You can cut acrylic (or polycarbonate) on a CNC router/mill with excellent results.  Opaque colored arcylic is available for a wide range of options.  Also, a CNC mill can pocket and bevel for some unique forms. I have RasPi 4 case that is made up of stacked acrylic layers and it is quite nice.

While 3D printing is great, I have one and use it but IMO it still looks 3D printed which in many circumstances detracts from a professional look.

And, the best, easiest and cheapest (especially when you factor your time) option is usually selecting your case before you make the board - then design the PCB to fit the case.  There are a lot of really nice cases out there with some great features for relatively small $$.

[alank2]

Thanks everyone for the ideas!