| > do you contact to some manufacturer/factory, provide them some CAD files, etc... ? Yes. There are a wide variety of shops, and I am just talking here about proto-typing. If you just want some metal tool plate precisely cut/drilled/tapped to specification (CAD drawings), there's a bunch of shops that specialize in prototype runs. I've used emachineshop.com, it was super easy and the results were exactly to spec. I like to design assemblies with such custom plates using 8020 extruded channels (8020.net) that can be ordered in cut/tapped sizes. Usually overkill and not appropriate for a finished product, it's heavy and expensive, but very customizable and robust. Perfect for few-of-a-kind builds or system-integration work. The same thing goes for sheet metal fabrication and front panels. There's frontpanelexpress.com, they make front panels precision cut/finish and with whatever graphics you want. For basic PCB enclosures, I like Hammond Manufacturing extruded aluminum enclosures. They have customization options but I haven't used those (https://www.hammfg.com/electronics/small-case/mods). If you're serious, I recommend you build some prototypes, see how things go, then partner with experienced folks to go further. Counter-intuitively, it only gets MORE complex, expensive and time-consuming AFTER the prototypes. |