Who makes a really rugged 3U 19” project box?

[bjosephs]

Title says it all. I have some hefty transformers from Heyboer for a 100W amp that I’ll never be able to commit to a single project so I want to make a rack mount power amp with them. Need a really good box with handles and preferably some ventilation.

I’ve used Hammond’s RM series on lighter stuff but the flanges are held on with small screws and the handles go into the flanges. I think I also need a little space under the bottom panel for screw heads and some of these boxes keep the top-bottom panels close to flush with the front for maximum internal space. Penn Elcom doesn’t look much better.

 

[KIDVOX]

on heavy stuff i use rear supports.

 

[jonasnoble]

You ever tried any of Par Metal's offerings? I'm about to buy a couple, but haven't seen them up close yet. Let me see if I can make a hyperlink work.

Pimetal rack enclosure

 

[bjosephs]

You ever tried any of Par Metal's offerings?

Actually yes. I have a 1U mic pre in one of their chassis. The edge work on the front was OK and it was pretty hefty. It’s been a long time but I recall having issues with how the handles screw through the front. Might be easier on a 3U. I had forgotten them so thanks for the reminder.

 

[KIDVOX]

You ever tried any of Par Metal's offerings? I'm about to buy a couple, but haven't seen them up close yet. Let me see if I can make a hyperlink work.

Pimetal rack enclosure

there sold by many suppliers and they aint bad. if your doing really heavy job fitting a short length of aluminium angle inside the case in the front corners from top to bottom may help

 

[Whoops]

Most sturdy rack cases I've found are sold by Modushop, a lot of option, they have handles:

https://modushop.biz/site/

 

[bjosephs]

Most sturdy rack cases I've found are sold by Modushop, a lot of option, they have handles:

https://modushop.biz/site/

Oh thank you. I was there but couldn’t find the rack stuff and moved on. Do you have any pictures of how the galvanized perf plate fits inside?

 

[Whoops]

Do you have any pictures of how the galvanized perf plate fits inside?

I don't work there, was just helping you out with a known source.

You should ask them

 

[bjosephs]

I don't work there, was just helping you out with a known source.

You should ask them

I didn’t think you worked there. When you said they were the most rugged you’d found I assumed that meant you built something with one.

 

[Whoops]

you've assumed correctly

 

[scott2000]

Could maybe find an old parts amp from qsc or whatever cheap. For example QSC USA series have the entire front vented but no handles...I think the back is vented too.. Could add plates of steel or whatever to go over... not sure of what you're build is intended to look like though so maybe not...lol

 

[MidnightArrakis]

Title says it all. I have some hefty transformers from Heyboer for a 100W amp that I’ll never be able to commit to a single project so I want to make a rack mount power amp with them. Need a really good box with handles and preferably some ventilation.

I’ve used Hammond’s RM series on lighter stuff but the flanges are held on with small screws and the handles go into the flanges. I think I also need a little space under the bottom panel for screw heads and some of these boxes keep the top-bottom panels close to flush with the front for maximum internal space. Penn Elcom doesn’t look much better.

See if any of these will suit your project needs (HINT: Plan on spending some good time on these websites as there is LOTS of rack-mount chassis information here and choices to choose from):

[with handles and preferably some ventilation] -- Both features are available in the links below:

https://www.budind.com/series/gener...rnal_dimensions=0&general_use_handles_group=0
https://www.budind.com/series/gener...rnal_dimensions_group=0&internal_dimensions=0
https://www.budind.com/product/gene...rnal_dimensions_group=0&internal_dimensions=0
https://www.metcaseusa.com/en/Enclosures/19-Rack-Mount-Enclosures.htm
https://www.metcaseusa.com/en/Metal-Enclosures/Combimet-19-.htm
https://www.circuitspecialists.com/...nclosures/products/rackmount-enclosure-et335b
And, finally.....I have been designing all manner of -- rack-mount chassis -- for a living for quite some time now. If "push comes to shove" and you can't find an off-the-shelf chassis that suits your needs, I could go and design one for you. Since certain members on this forum don't like it when I insert images or photos of my rack-mount chassis designs within my comments (they tell me I am "self-promoting" myself"), just send me a PM and I can send you all sorts of stuff, OK???

In addition.....all of the rack-chassis suppliers and vendors listed up above all offer "3D CAD-models" of their products, of which I am able to import into my 3D Mechanical Design software. What this means is..... if one of the vendors up above has a type of 3U rack-chassis that you like, you can provide me with that "Model Number" and then I can download its 3D CAD-model. From there, I can then insert all of the screw holes and other cutouts that you need for your project and send you -- MY -- CAD-file of "your" chassis.

You then e-mail -- MY -- CAD-file of the chassis that you like back to the vendor and they will then take care of providing you a chassis with all of your holes and cutouts!!! Or.....you can "hack and whack" your new chassis down in your basement to put in all of your project holes and cutouts yourself. For me, personally, when I design my rack-chassis I let the sheet-metal fabricator take care of everything for me!!! But, that's just me.

[I think I also need a little space under the bottom panel for screw heads] -- NOT if you would use "Flat-Head Machine Screws"!!! That's what I use for my rack-chassis designs. See the link below:

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/screws/flat-head-screws~/
This is just my "Bidenomics Inflation Reduced" 2-cents worth!!!

/

 

[scott2000]

No to circuit specialists for sure..... More along the lines of computer cases or hifi......Faceplates are ok.....
they're not terrible...just no even close /on par with par metal...ha

 

[neve2254e]

I have had good luck with these GrayBox B Style Enclosures | Electronic Enclosures Ithaca NY

 

[HerbertR]

Hi, i ve used these "India" Cases several times in 3U size. Very very heavy, and a very very stable case. A lot of companies are trading these cases.
I replaced always the included sheet metal screws with 6mm long M3 countersunk head screws. I previously drilled M3 threads into the left and right side plates, and I made countersunk holes in the top and bottom or rear plates for the replacement M3 countersunk screws. Takes about 20 Minutes and you have a pretty good, cheap, stable Case....30kg and more, no problem....

 

[bassist70]

Title says it all. I have some hefty transformers from Heyboer for a 100W amp that I’ll never be able to commit to a single project so I want to make a rack mount power amp with them. Need a really good box with handles and preferably some ventilation.

I’ve used Hammond’s RM series on lighter stuff but the flanges are held on with small screws and the handles go into the flanges. I think I also need a little space under the bottom panel for screw heads and some of these boxes keep the top-bottom panels close to flush with the front for maximum internal space. Penn Elcom doesn’t look much better.

Hello bjosephs:

This in my first post. I have a 3 RU chassis that I designed and used for an old company of mine called Boutique Audio and Design. I used to rack classic modules (Neve, Helios, TAB v76, V72 etc) and used these racks exclusively making probably hundreds of them and are being used world wide.

I have some left in stock for a future company but would be willing to sell a few. They are all 16 gauge steel, black power coating. Front panel is .125 aluminum with black powder coating. the chassis is drilled out on the right side allowing for power supplies. the rear is cut out for an IEC connector
and also has 6 Neutrik d style cutouts and screened for mic in, line in and Line out. Handles.The top panel is vented. I'll post some pics. The power supplies are not included.

 

[scott2000]

That looks really nice... The dual (international power?) set up is sweet.

 

[bassist70]

That looks really nice... The dual (international power?) set up is sweet.

Hey Scott:

Yes International power. Also the old power ones and condors will also fit I believe. I'v been using the International power for years and have rarely had an issue.

 

[KIDVOX]

i might be interested in one of those subject to cost and postage (UK) what`s the depth of the case please. my next build could be a 100w per channel, stereo, tube, slave. and that may fit the bill.

 

[KIDVOX]

please pm me the cost etc