Development of NEMA Electric Enclosures for a USA-Based Metal Fabricator
Client
A USA-based metal fabrication company specializing in industrial-grade electrical enclosures compliant with NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) standards for protection and durability.
Objective
To design a series of robust, high-quality NEMA-compliant electric enclosures. The project required 3D models and detailed fabrication drawings to support efficient manufacturing, including DXF files for precise CNC cutting.
Needs
- 3D CAD models for each enclosure type to ensure design accuracy and standard compliance.
- Fabrication drawings and DXF files tailored for efficient CNC manufacturing, covering all required cuts, bends, and assembly points.
- Strict adherence to NEMA standards for electrical enclosures, addressing factors such as weatherproofing, impact resistance, and operational safety.
- Streamlined design-to-production process, reducing lead times and material waste.
Challenges
- NEMA Compliance Complexity: Ensuring strict adherence to various NEMA standards, each with specific requirements for enclosure durability, weatherproofing, and impact resistance, posed a design challenge.
- Precision in CNC Fabrication: The project required highly accurate DXF files for CNC machines, demanding precise alignment, tolerances, and consistent quality across multiple enclosure designs.
- Optimizing for Fabrication Efficiency: Balancing design integrity with ease of fabrication and minimizing material waste required iterative testing and adjustments within SolidWorks.
- Time Constraints: Delivering the models and drawings on a tight schedule, while maintaining high standards, added pressure on project timelines and coordination.
Solution
Zeta Cadd leveraged SolidWorks to meet the project’s rigorous requirements:
- 3D Modeling: Developed detailed 3D models for each enclosure, designed to NEMA standards and optimized for fabrication, including necessary structural reinforcements and mounting features.
- Fabrication Drawings: Created comprehensive drawings specifying dimensions, material gauges, and manufacturing details to facilitate quick and accurateproduction.
- DXF Generation: Produced DXF files ready for CNC cutting, enabling precise fabrication with minimal setup and alignment time.
- Quality Assurance: Ensured that all models and drawings adhered to NEMA standards, verifying dimensions, clearances, and materials to support reliable performance in demanding environments.
Result
- Delivered a full set of 3D models, fabrication drawings, and DXF files for a range of NEMA enclosures that met both client specifications and NEMA standards.
- Improved the client’s production workflow, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing error rates.
- Supported rapid scaling of the client’s product line with standardized, ready-to- manufacture models and drawings.
Client Feedback
“Zeta Cadd exceeded our expectations in both quality and responsiveness. Their team was meticulous in following NEMA requirements and provided us with fabrication-ready files that greatly streamlined our production. The project was a success, and we’re excited to continue working together on future designs.”