HOW CAN I GET THE BEST FROM OKW’s TOP FIVE ENCLOSURE CUSTOMIZATION SERVICES?

CUSTOMIZED ELECTRONIC ENCLOSURES – EVEN IN LOW VOLUMES

New technology continues to cut the cost of specifying elegant customized enclosures, making them viable even for low volumes. It has never been easier to transform versatile standard models into unique customized enclosures that can go directly to your production line for installation of components.

Based on demand over the last 18 months, here are our top five customization options. We carry out all the work in-house to ensure quality, accountability, faster shipment and a lower carbon footprint in your supply chain...

1. CNC MACHINING – OUR MOST REQUESTED SERVICE

Machining remains our most popular customization service among electronics designers, and it’s easy to understand why. Yes, our enclosures feature internal pillars for easy mounting of PCBs and other components. But apertures are almost always needed for connectors, displays, switches and LEDs.

Our advanced CNC machining enables these modifications to be produced with exceptional precision and consistency, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming secondary operations. Tolerances, positioning and finish quality are carefully controlled, ensuring a professional appearance. New machining services include backlighting – reduction of internal wall thickness, allowing LEDs positioned behind to shine through. We can also carry out machining for press studs – perfect for small enclosures such as BODY-CASE, MINITEC, ERGO-CASE, CONNECT, SOFT-CASE and MINI-DATA-BOX.

To achieve the best results, download drawings and/or 3D models, provide detailed CAD data and consider all clearances early in the design process. Engaging with OKW’s technical team at an early stage often helps to identify opportunities to simplify machining requirements while maintaining performance.

2. PRINTING: ENHANCING BRAND IDENTITY AND USER EXPERIENCE

Printing is the second most popular customization option because it transforms an enclosure from a simple housing into a fully branded product. Whether it’s company logos, product names, operating legends or photo-quality graphics, high-quality printing improves both esthetics and usability. Clear labelling helps users to operate equipment more efficiently while reinforcing brand recognition and loyalty.

For many OEMs, professionally printed graphics eliminate the need for separate labels or overlays, creating a cleaner and more durable solution. The result is a product that looks more refined and inspires greater customer confidence.

Designers can maximize the effectiveness of printing by supplying high-resolution artwork and considering the enclosure’s operating environment. Factors such as exposure to chemicals, cleaning agents and UV light can influence the choice of method and finish.

Alternatives include engraving (an OKW machining service) or high-contrast laser marking, which turns plastic parts gray where required. Laser marking is a great way to add consecutive numbering of individual parts. It’s ideal for very small machine-readable markings, such as QR codes, barcodes and DataMatrix codes. It works well on materials including ABS, ASA+PC, PC, PA, PA GF and aluminum.

3. RFI/EMI SHIELDING: MEETING PERFORMANCE AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

As electronic devices become more sophisticated and connected, electromagnetic compatibility is increasingly critical. RFI/EMI shielding has therefore become one of OKW’s fastest-growing customization services.

Conductive coatings applied to the enclosure’s interior protect circuitry from electromagnetic interference, supporting regulatory compliance. This is particularly important in sectors such as medical technology, telecommunications, industrial automation and IoT/IIoT.

Our in-house plating facility can quickly apply 99.98% pure aluminum to the inside of enclosures, creating a coating around 2.5 µm thick. Other coating thicknesses are available on request to achieve an even better shielding effect.

The most successful projects involve early consideration of RFI/EMI requirements. Sharing compliance targets and expected operating conditions with OKW allows the most appropriate shielding solution to be specified from the outset.

4. INSTALLATION AND ASSEMBLY OF ACCESSORIES: SAVING TIME AND RESOURCES

Many manufacturers are under pressure to shorten production schedules and improve operational efficiency. This explains the growing popularity of OKW’s installation and assembly service.

Accessories such as battery compartments, cable glands, belt/pocket clips, tilt foot bars, wall mountings, hinges, bali arms, seals and membrane keypads can be fitted before delivery. Receiving a partially assembled enclosure reduces internal assembly work and helps to maintain consistent quality standards.

For OEMs managing multiple product variants or larger volumes, these efficiencies can generate significant cost and time savings. Your teams can focus on installing electronic assemblies rather than carrying out routine enclosure preparation tasks.

To gain maximum benefit, designers should discuss assembly requirements early in the project and provide clear information regarding specifications and production volumes.

5. DECOR FOILS: COMBINING STYLE AND FUNCTIONALITY

Decor foils continue to grow in popularity because they offer an easy way to enhance both product elegance and user interaction. Modern decor foils can incorporate branding, graphics, legends and functional interface elements while providing an attractive, high-quality finish. They are particularly popular for products where visual appeal plays an important role in purchasing decisions or user perception.

Beyond aesthetics, decor foils can improve durability by protecting graphics from wear and environmental exposure. They can also contribute to a more intuitive user experience through clearly defined control zones and visual guidance.

Optimum results are achieved when foil design is considered as part of the overall product development process, rather than as a final cosmetic addition. Early collaboration allows esthetics, usability and manufacturing requirements to be aligned effectively.

FIND OUT MORE

View our full range of customization services >>