Which comes first, the selection of the enclosure or the PCB design?

What comes first, the PCB or the enclosure? This is a question that has puzzled many electronic equipment designers, and although there is no right or wrong answer, what we do know is that the enclosure selection is typically left for later stages of the design process. At Supertronic, we believe this may be a mistake.

Designing new electronic equipment is a lengthy and complex process involving many tasks, from the initial concept to product design, prototyping, and selecting a suitable enclosure. But what is the correct order to carry out these tasks? While certain tasks must indeed precede others — for example, the concept must come before the prototype — how would you know what you're creating if you don't have a clear idea of how the final product will look?

At Supertronic, we encourage our clients to consider enclosure selection in the early stages of the design process. While the PCB is a key component in any electronic design, its size and component placement can pose challenges in finding the right enclosure fit. This is because many off-the-shelf enclosures have obstructions that prevent the PCB from reaching the corners or farthest walls of the internal space, thus creating constraints. By selecting the right enclosure early in the design process, these issues can be avoided. Additionally, certain materials may offer superior performance or better aesthetics for the device, so it's also important to explore materials and finishes in the early stages of the design process.

In summary, although there is no right or wrong answer to the question of what comes first, the PCB or the enclosure, we strongly recommend our clients to consider enclosure selection in the early stages of the design process to avoid issues and ensure the final product is the best it can be. If you're interested in viewing the enclosures we have to offer, visit our website www.supertronic.com or contact our sales team by calling us at +34 932 980 257.