Building/designing my own case (using metal)

takatakaman · Post by **takatakaman** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 1:03 pm

(Please move this thread if it's in the wrong section)

Hi guys,
I was wondering how I can go about designing/manufacturing my own case from scratch using metal -steel, aluminum, etc.
(i.e. designing parts, ordering, assemblign etc.)

If anybody has any experience or input on the different processes and costs involved, it would be very appreciated.
Simply pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated as well.

djkest · Post by **djkest** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 4:16 pm

If you use sheet metal, there is a special cutter used for that, they are big heavy mechanical devices. To actually produce decent looking cases would require a fairly sustantial outlay of capital. I also know that most computer cases right now are stamped, meaning they have a tool setup that punches out the basic shape of the panel, and then some of which are folded. As far as the plastic pieces, you're probably talking about injection molding. Is that what your looking for?

Bluefront · Post by **Bluefront** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 5:12 pm

Are you talking about a single case for yourself....I hope. That's possible.

colin2 · Post by **colin2** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 9:45 pm

These people

http://www.par-metal.com/

have a pretty good line in cases and the capacity for custom orders.

Assuming you just want to make a one-off case for yourself, is there a reason for starting from scratch as opposed to modding an existing case?