What counts as a custom build
When a standard cabinet cannot do the job, it becomes a custom build. Four situations come up most often:
- Restricted dimensions — the space on site is irregular and no standard cabinet fits, so the enclosure is designed backwards from the space available.
- Unusual operating conditions — high humidity, salt spray, dust, vehicle vibration or explosive atmospheres call for special protection and material choices.
- Integrated functions — PLC, VFD, soft starter, instruments and a comms gateway all in one cabinet, with heat dissipation and wiring that still work.
- Export alongside your machine — shipping out with the parent machine, so voltage, frequency, certification and marking have to match the destination.
Our approach:understand the duty first, talk models second. A data sheet settles the selection; everything it cannot settle is where the real work is.
The process: six steps
- STEP 01
Requirement review
Duty, environment, control requirements, component preferences and budget range. A drawing is best; without one we work back from the duty.
- STEP 02
Design
Single-line diagram, layout drawing and bill of materials with brands and ratings. This is where the IP rating, cooling method and cable entry are fixed.
- STEP 03
Quote and sign-off
An itemized quote, with brand and model against every component. Production starts once the drawing is signed off — never before.
- STEP 04
Sheet metal and coating
Laser cutting → bending → welding → dressing → pre-treatment → electrostatic powder coating → curing. Coating thickness 60-80μm, color to your specification.
- STEP 05
Assembly, wiring and testing
Wired to the control diagram, with ferrules and terminal marking complete. 100% powered testing, 2500V/1min power-frequency withstand test, ground resistance ≤4 Ω.
- STEP 06
Packing and dispatch
Fumigation-free plywood cases, shipped from Hangzhou. Test records and as-built documentation travel with the goods.
What we need for a quote
| Document | What it should show | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Single-line diagram | Main circuit arrangement, incoming and outgoing methods, short-circuit rating | Strongly recommended |
| Control schematic | Control logic, interlocking, instruments and signals | Helpful if available |
| Bill of materials | Brands and models; or just name the brands and we will select | Recommended |
| Enclosure size and material | Height × width × depth; carbon steel, stainless steel 304 or 316, or aluminum | Required |
| IP rating | IP54 / IP65 / IP66 and so on | Required |
| Operating environment | Temperature, humidity, dust, corrosion, vibration, altitude | Required |
| Quantity and lead time | Number of units and target delivery date | Required |
A description of the duty and rough dimensions are enough to start with — we give an indicative price first and a formal quote once the details are confirmed.
MOQ and lead time
MOQ 1
Prototypes and single-machine builds are both welcome. Volumes of 5 or more earn a better unit price and priority in the schedule.
15–25 days
The clock starts when the drawing is signed off. Where imported components carry long lead times, we say so up front.
98% on time
Keeping sheet metal in-house is what makes that possible — the production schedule stays in our hands.
What we can customize
Enclosure
Dimensions; material (carbon steel, 304, 316 or aluminum); finish (powder coat, brushed, electroplated); color; door arrangement; cable entry; plinth and lifting points.
Protection
IP54 / IP65 / IP66, anti-corrosion coating, anti-condensation heaters, sun and rain hoods, and packages built for salt spray or heavy dust.
Electrical
Main circuit design; PLC and HMI selection and programming; VFDs and soft starters; instruments; comms gateways; UPS and surge protection.
Marking and documentation
Screen printing and nameplates (multi-language), terminal marking, ferrules, as-built drawings, test records, certificates of conformity and multi-language manuals.
FAQ
How much more does a custom cabinet cost than a standard one?
It depends how far you move from standard. Resizing generally carries a limited premium; special materials such as 316 stainless steel, high IP ratings such as IP66 and explosion-proof designs add significantly. Every item is priced separately in the quote, so you can weigh up what is worth it.
Can you build a prototype from our drawing first?
Yes. We build one unit to validate, then move to volume once you are happy, with the prototype cost credited against the production order.
Who owns the design?
The drawings for your custom design are yours. We keep the process know-how, but we do not reuse your design elsewhere.
Packing and paperwork for export orders?
Shipped from Hangzhou on FOB / EXW / CIF terms. Fumigation-free wooden cases with certificate of conformity, test records and packing list; tell us in advance if you need a certificate of origin or inspection.