We have used post coated sheet steel in the past for Hi-Fi chassis. You can get some quality zinc finishes if you find the right supplier. The Japanese pre-coat stuff is also very good. Can't remember the trade name at the moment....

 

Gareth,

You are right - with preplated materials, the cut edges will "bleed" after enough time in a humid climate. We normally use post-plated materials for this reason (although there is a cost difference). Industry standards for large telecom companies normally dictate post plating, for this reason.

I've heard of vendors "touching up" cut edges of preplated material but there are potential cosmetic issues with that method. Not my recommendation - we don't do it.

 

Why not use StSt or Aluminium and Brush / Linish it immediately after Punch.!!!! We do that with similiar 19" products today! Let me know if I can be of any further help.

 

Use Unobtainium! Its weightless, super strong, both conductive and non conductive, comes in any color and shape you need, delivered before you need it, its free with high resale value, sales will love you for it, purchasing will buy you pizza on friday for specifying it.. Fantastic stuff, I wonder why no one else thought of this?

 

Hi Gareth

I'm guessing your telecom/ high-tech product volumes are not huge. I know a few good manufacturers in India who do precisely this sort of work. I'm not sure if they are cheaper than China, but these guys work with you to look at the most optimum material to use from a cost/ function/ tropicalisation perspective.

Vinay

 

Hello, first of all check and specify whether they are using chromate or photphate applied Zintec and specify what you want. One is fingerprint coating and the other is not. I have found that one is slightlly harder wearing (cant remember which). Make sure they arent using aluzinc (looks the same but scratches very easilly).

Try telling them that unless they supply a proper job they lose the contract!

Why not have just the lid made locally or elsewhere?

Zintec gets scratched usually on dragging on a bed (guillotine or ball bearing turret punch bed) tell them to fold them inside out (marks on the inside)

Zintec drags down the edges slightlly when guillotined but not as much when punched and not at all if laser cut, you will end up with corrosion eventually, so why not think about zink and chromate plating (conductive) or if you do like alluminium (expensive) try alochrome coating (conductive)
If you go abroad you can save money but you lose control and you dont know what the hell is happening over there.

I have attached a url on emc and enclosures that might help

http://www.radiocad.com/_downloads/EMCe ... ID=hfh147l

Thanks
Dave

 

Dear Sir,

Go for insert molded plastic part with texture.

Regards,
Harshad Patel

 

Cool, it is a good idea.