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idownes
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Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosures (Think Apple IR Remote)

08/05/2009 1:09 AM

I'd like to package my product (pcb plus battery) in a very thin plastic enclosure - similar to that used by the Apple IR remote (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Remote). Specifically approx. 55 x 25 x 8 mm external with rounded edges on the long axis. Can anyone suggest where a similar existing enclosure could be found? Quantities are prototype leading up to 1000's. Anything vaguely this size and less than 10 mm thick would be greatly appreciated.
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user-deleted-1105
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#1

Re: Where to get a small very thin plastic enclosure (like Apple remote)?

08/05/2009 2:47 AM

Are you looking to buy off the shelf or to manufacture the enclosure?
For small volumes or one offs, vacuum forming can produce cheap, attractive, effective enclosures, with low tooling cost and a quick turn around.
You need to design the enclosure with the process in mind (same as ow't else I s'pose)
You can also make bodies for your radio controlled off roader....that was many moons ago.

Del

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idownes
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#6
In reply to #1

Re: Where to get a small very thin plastic enclosure (like Apple remote)?

08/05/2009 2:06 PM

I'd prefer off the shelf but I can't find what I'm looking for. I'm not too familiar with vacuum forming - what are the limitations on the shapes that can be formed?
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PWSlack
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#2

Re: Where to Get a Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosure (Like Apple Remote)?

08/05/2009 7:38 AM

RS Components? (usual disclaimer)

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user-deleted-1105
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#3
In reply to #2

Re: Where to Get a Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosure (Like Apple Remote)?

08/05/2009 7:40 AM

Oh you are sooo boring today
I'm gonna see if Kris will come out to play...oh drat he's gone on hol...
Del

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PWSlack
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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Where to Get a Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosure (Like Apple Remote)?

08/05/2009 10:41 AM

So that joke about the steering wheel didn't go down too well, then? No problem. There's plenty more....

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idownes
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#5
In reply to #2

Re: Where to Get a Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosure (Like Apple Remote)?

08/05/2009 2:00 PM

I've looked at the usual suppliers and I've yet to see anything less than around 15 mm thick. They all seem to be lid and base type enclosures rather than tube with end caps.
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user-deleted-1105
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#7

Re: Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosures (Think Apple IR Remote)

08/05/2009 3:59 PM

Oh..I geddit, you mean..

A thin, plastic enclosure.
I though you meant..
A thin plastic, enclosure.

Del

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Randall
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#8

Re: Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosures (Think Apple IR Remote)

08/06/2009 3:08 AM

Have you tried this:-

http://mechanical-components.globalspec.com/SpecSearch/Suppliers?QID=14968549&Comp=299&fc=1

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idownes
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#10
In reply to #8

Re: Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosures (Think Apple IR Remote)

08/06/2009 5:05 AM

Yes I tried that but the thinnest (heightwise) was 15 mm.
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Randall
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#9

Re: Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosures (Think Apple IR Remote)

08/06/2009 3:12 AM

I'm certain I've seen flat plastic conduit you could just chop up for prototypes but I can't find any.

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idownes
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#11
In reply to #9

Re: Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosures (Think Apple IR Remote)

08/06/2009 5:06 AM

That's a very interesting observation! I hadn't thought of those...
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Anonymous Poster
#12

Re: Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosures (Think Apple IR Remote)

08/06/2009 8:20 AM

Don't waste your time looking for an off the shelf item. If you can write a design specification for what you want, locate a fabricator to make the enclosure.
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Jerry New Hampshire
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#13

Re: Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosures (Think Apple IR Remote)

08/06/2009 8:24 AM

Try led@granitestateplastics.com . They can be quite helpful with materials and costing.

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Anonymous Poster
#14

Re: Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosures (Think Apple IR Remote)

08/06/2009 8:30 AM

Do you like these keyfobs ?

Yahlasit
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uweka
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#15

Re: Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosures (Think Apple IR Remote)

08/09/2009 7:17 AM

Have a look at TEKO.IT or at OKW.DE

regards Uwe

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daffy
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#16

Re: Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosures (Think Apple IR Remote)

08/09/2009 10:37 PM

Hi...

Try http://www.shortrunplastics.com/

We use these people to make our extrusion alluminium cases. Yes they are in China, but the quality is very good although you have to be very specific with what you want. If you find that your samples are 'just not right', let them know...they will fix the problem.

Send them your drawings and see what happens.

Let us know how you get on.
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idownes
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#17

Re: Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosures (Think Apple IR Remote)

08/10/2009 12:08 AM

thanks to everyone that has replied! I'll just get a small run of custom enclosures.
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user-deleted-1105
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#18
In reply to #17

Re: Small, Very Thin Plastic Enclosures (Think Apple IR Remote)

08/10/2009 3:34 AM

Post a pic and tell us the process you chose
.... please
Del (the curious cat)

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Users who posted comments:

Anonymous Poster (2); daffy (1); idownes (5); Jerry New Hampshire (1); PWSlack (2); Randall (2); user-deleted-1105 (4); uweka (1)

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