Foremost Electronics introduces online configurator
Based in Essex, England, specialist distributor, Foremost Electronics, has introduced a custom design service for enclosures: the online 3D sub rack configurator and CAD file generator.
The company specialises in electromechanical components, including switches, keypads, joysticks and connectors and design and supply enclosures.
It is a channel partner for nVent Schroff, which allows access to what is claimed to be the first such suite of online tools that allows users to configure a bespoke enclosure and sub-rack quickly using the smart online design tool.
The service is designed for applications where standard moulded plastic and cast metal boxes have been replaced by more aesthetically pleasing modular enclosures and industry standard 19-inch racks, such as industrial control, utilities, instrumentation, test and measurement, rail and transportation equipment. Specifications include resistance to moisture, dust and vibration, temperature control, EMC shielding, cable access, sub-racks, DIN-Rails and other internal fittings.
The configuration process selects the rack type and front panel for particular applications and then sub-racks, card locks and retainers.
The enclosure specified by the configurator creates files which may be used directly in the manufacturing process, including 3D printing if required. Designers can easily modify or copy a saved configuration and different project lists can be managed in parallel for multiple designs. The process from design to delivery is fully automated and the manufacturing facilities are capable of processing the digital data from the configurator through to delivery with no human interaction, requiring zero paper and compliant with industry 4.0.
The custom designed enclosure provides the user with all relevant documentation including 30 native CAD files, 2D and 3D drawings and complete bill of materials (BoM). The BoM is then simple to order from Foremost.
The final design is issued with a unique part number which is permanently allocated to the configuration on all documents. The design is costed automatically by the Schroff internal ERP system which can then generate a quotation or be ordered for direct manufacture. Enclosures designed using the configurator are available on the same lead-time as a standard configured product, even with custom modifications.
Foremost Electronics also has a micro-site, enclosures4u, giving designers a direct source to standard cases and more complex standard, modified and customised enclosures including the first enclosure compliant with the embeddedNUC standard which features Flexible Heat Conductor (FHC) integrated cooling. It is compatible with 1U embedded NUC enclosures.
