Sensitive electronics in outdoor, marine, and industrial settings need a housing that shrugs off dust, rain, and immersion. Waterproof metal enclosures rated to IP67 protect controls, telecom gear, and sensors while dissipating heat and resisting impact. This guide covers how die casting and fabrication deliver a sealed, serviceable enclosure.
Why Waterproof Metal Enclosures Matter
An IP67 rating means dust-tight and protected against immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. That level of sealing keeps connectors, boards, and batteries alive in CCTV, LED drivers, junction boxes, and industrial panels. Our custom metal fabrication team builds custom housings around your board layout and cutout list.
Die Casting vs Fabrication for Housings
Die casting in ADC12 aluminum yields a strong, thin-wall body with built-in bosses and flanges, and tooling amortizes quickly at volume. aluminum extrusion or CNC milling suits lower volumes and larger envelopes. Our sheet metal fabrication guide compares the two routes so you can match process to quantity.
Achieving IP67 Ingress Protection
Sealing comes from a machined gasket groove and a silicone or EPDM gasket compressed to a controlled depth. CNC-machined flanges keep the groove geometry consistent, and pressure-decay testing confirms each unit. Our CNC milling line machines the critical sealing faces to tight tolerance.
Machining Flanges, Threads, and Cutouts
Cable glands, mounting bosses, and threaded inserts are added after casting or cutting. laser cutting and CNC milling produce clean holes and slots without burrs that would break the seal. Plan cutouts from the start so the gasket path stays continuous.
Coatings and Corrosion Resistance
Clear or black anodizing and powder coating protect aluminum outdoors; powder coating adds color and extra film thickness. For harsh chemical or marine duty, specify the heavier coating and validate salt-spray life. Our metal surface treatment overview lists every available finish.
Thermal Management Considerations
Aluminum conducts heat well, so cast-in fins or a bonded heat sink manage high-power electronics. Keep the gasket away from hot spots and size the wall for the watt load. Pair the housing with a custom fabrication supplier that understands both sealing and cooling.
Sourcing a Custom Enclosure
Send a STEP file or board outline, the IP rating, and the environment. A good shop returns a die-cast or fabricated proposal with gasket spec, finish, and inspection plan. Start the quote with our custom metal fabrication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IP67 the same as waterproof?
IP67 is dust-tight and immersion-safe to 1 m for 30 minutes. For continuous submersion or wash-down, you may need IP68 or IP69K instead.
Die cast or fabricated enclosure?
Die casting wins on unit cost and wall strength at volume; fabrication suits prototypes and large or low-quantity boxes.
How is the seal verified?
Pressure-decay or water-ingress testing plus CMM checks on the gasket groove confirm every enclosure meets its rating.
Can you add heat-sink fins?
Yes. Cast-in or machined fins and internal rails manage thermal load while preserving the sealed cavity.
Seal It Right the First Time
A waterproof enclosure lives or dies on gasket geometry and finish. Share your board and environment and we will return a sealed, build-ready housing quote.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Get a build-ready quote on your custom metal parts within 24 hours. Share your drawing and our engineers will respond with process, lead time, and pricing.
