Securing the panel to the

A How To Guide for Panel Mounting Electronic Equipment in a Shipping or Carry Case Business Articles | May 24 Buccaneers Carlton Davis Jersey , 2010
Panel mounting equipment in a shipping or carry case can be tricky, but not out of reach for a do-it-yourself project. These tips will keep you on track, and help you understand the pitfalls.


Make sure you have the right style case:? Many of the smaller injection molded and aluminum carry cases come standard will?molded-in?panel tabs sets down a short distance from the lid split. This is not true for luggage style cases that are either soft-sided or thermoformed. It is not recommended that you use luggage style cases for panel mounted equipment. Some larger cases (think airline check-through?size) also have panel tabs in them. For larger hard cases without stock panel tabs, a workable system can still be constructed, but you will most likely need the assistance of a case professional.


?


Choose the right panel material:? The two best options are ABS plastic and aluminum plate. Plastic has distinct advantage over aluminum in that it is?less expensive,?lighter Buccaneers M.J. Stewart Jersey , more malleable, and it is easier to route or cut. When using plastic,?you will most likely need at least .125?of panel thickness, and up to a .25? thickness for very large panels or heavy items. Aluminum panels can be .0625? to .125?. If you feel that you need more than .125? of aluminum panel thickness to hold your equipments weight, this is a good indication that you should reconsider panel mounting it, and should consider other options such as a custom cushioned case interior.


?


Decide how you are going to cut the?panel?material:? There are several options here. A small hand router may be all you need for basic round or square holes. This will obviously be harder with thick aluminum Buccaneers Ronald Jones II Jersey , but it will be fairly easy for a good craftsman to do with ?plastic. If you need a very sharp appearance, or exact cuts, you should?hire a waterjet cutting outfit,?or find someone with a CNC router. Some engravers will be able to not only cut your required holes, but will also be able to route in descriptions under each item by using?a?two-tone plastic. This is the same process used in?engraving your name on the bowling trophy you got 10 years ago!


?


Decide how you are going to secure your product to the panel:??Most mounting equipment?comes with its own screws and screw holes. If yours does not, you will need to find a place to drill a through-hole. The best way to secure the item to the panel is by inserting a threaded insert into the plastic or aluminum Buccaneers Vita Vea Jersey ,, and then screwing into it. In using plastic, you can accomplish this by carefully holding the insert over its intended pre-drilled hole, and heating it up with a soldering iron until it melts down into the plastic. Sounds easy, but you may want to practice this before you start on your actual panel. You will need an insert puller in order set these into aluminum.


?


Securing the panel to the case:? If your case manufacturer make a standard panel ring, you should definitely use it. It should have pre-drilled holes that have threaded inserts already in them. In this case Buccaneers Lavonte David Jersey , all you need to do is use a plastic adhesive to glue the panel ring into the case, and then screw the panel to the ring. If your case does not have an OEM ring, or some other type of pre-threaded securing system, you should seek out a case professional for help.