7 Steps Checklist for Launching Your Enclosure Manufacturing | Mech Power

Turning a neat drawing into a real, usable part or enclosure is not just about the “send file, get part” process. Engineers know this well. Tolerances shift, bends spring back, ports don’t always align as expected, and heat can build where you least expect it. Product teams feel the pressure on timelines and budgets, while startups often discover that a small design assumption can slow down an entire build.

This is where Mech Power fits in. Every part or enclosure goes through an internal check before manufacturing begins. This step ensures that the design, which is shared, can be built accurately and consistently using real-world manufacturing processes. For teams working on electronics housings, having a clear enclosure design upfront makes this transition smoother and more predictable.

Why Manufacturability Matters 

Manufacturability means ensuring that a design, as provided, can be carried out smoothly on the factory floor.

The goal is not to alter the design, but to ensure it can be executed reliably during manufacturing. Instead, it focuses on understanding how materials react, how geometry changes during cutting, bending, machining, or printing, and how assemblies come together throughout manufacturing.

When manufacturability is considered early:

• Production goes more smoothly.
• Avoidable rework is reduced.
• Lead times are more predictable.
• Final parts and enclosures adhere to the original design concept.

Before each job goes into production, our engineering team examines the design to ensure that it can be manufactured as intended.  Any aspects that require confirmation or minor revisions to minimize manufacturing concerns are discussed before proceeding.

Step-by-Step: How We Prepare Your Drawing for Manufacturing

Step 1: Understanding Your Drawing and Design Intent

Every project starts with context. Our engineers review your drawing to understand what the part or enclosure is meant to do, how it’ll be handled, and how it fits into the larger assembly or system.

We study geometry, mounting direction, and functional areas using the files you share, such as STEP files, drawings, PCB layouts (for enclosures), and reference notes. The goal is to clearly understand your intent before any manufacturing decisions are made.

Step 2: Material and Thickness Validation

Material selection directly affects how a part is made.

We check whether the specified material and thickness are compatible with the intended process, whether that’s sheet metal cutting and bending, CNC machining, 3D printing, or welding.

For example, in sheet metal, thickness affects how well the part bends and holds its shape. In CNC or 3D printing, wall thickness influences strength and stability. If we spot potential issues, we flag them for clarification before moving forward.

Step 3: Geometry Feasibility (Bends, Radii, Reliefs)

At this stage, we review the design details that determine whether a part will form correctly:

• Bend radii and angles
• Flange lengths
• Corner reliefs
• Hole placement near bends
• Slot widths and edge distances

These checks help prevent problems like distortion, cracking, or misalignment during manufacturing.

Step 4: PCB Fit, Cutouts, and Alignment (For Enclosures)

For enclosures, the PCB layout often dictates the internal design.

We review component clearance, cutout positions for ports (USB, switches), airflow paths, and standoff placements. These checks ensure the electronics fit cleanly and that assembly and servicing are straightforward.

Step 5: Internal Adjustments for Smooth Manufacturing

Some details need fine-tuning to avoid issues on the shop floor. This might include:

• Holes too close to the bend lines
• Tolerances that are tighter than necessary
• Thin or fragile mounting features
• Missing ventilation for heat-prone enclosures
• Inconsistent edge spacing affects the strength or finish
  
  

We only adjust where needed and always in line with your design intent. If something isn’t clear, we’ll reach out before making changes.

Step 6: 3D Validation and Assembly Checks

Before releasing your job to production, we run final checks in 3D.

We confirm part alignment, fit between sub-assemblies, fastener and PCB clearance, and tool access during assembly. This ensures your parts go together smoothly once manufactured.

Step 7: Preparing Production-Ready Files

Once everything is clear, we generate the files needed for production:

• Flat patterns for sheet metal
• DXF files ready for laser cutting
• Bend notes and forming instructions
• CNC or 3D printing guides
• Surface finish specs and masking details

Only after this step did the job hit the shop floor.

Why This Matters

This preparation reduces the risk of avoidable issues once manufacturing begins. It leads to smoother builds, better fit and finish, and consistent results from batch to batch.

Most of this work happens behind the scenes, but it’s key to getting your parts right.

We Build What You Designed

A Manufacturing Partner Focused on Getting It Right

At Mech Power, your drawing remains your design.

Our role is to understand it, prepare it internally, and manufacture it accurately. Whether it's a single part or an entire enclosure, this method ensures a smooth transition from drawing to production.

This is how we turn your drawing into something that can be manufactured.