Custom RIM Enclosures & Housings

When Enclosure Performance Is Critical to How the Entire Product Functions

Rimnetics manufactures custom enclosures and housings that combine structural strength, lightweight construction, complex geometry, and integrated features in a single molded part. RIM makes it possible to build the enclosure around the requirements of the application—not force the design to fit the limitations of a manufacturing process.

From medical equipment, imaging systems, and laboratory instruments to robotics, industrial controls, and electronic systems, Rimnetics produces plastic enclosures designed to protect components, support assemblies, have great aesthetics, and perform in demanding environments.

Enclosure & Housing Engineering Capabilities

The best enclosure is designed around what it needs to do—not simply what is easiest to manufacture. Rimnetics evaluates the complete housing design during the initial CAD review to identify opportunities for better performance, simpler assembly, and more reliable production. You get a bigger bang for your design dollar when you design for both the A-show surface and the B-side of the part where DFM principles can be applied via molded-in features and assembly aides.

Integrated Mounting Features

Ribs, bosses, standoffs, wiring guides, mounting pads, and other features can be molded directly into the enclosure to support internal components and reduce secondary assembly.

Electronics & Component Integration

PCBs, connectors, sensors, wiring, batteries, and other components can be incorporated into the molded housing.

Complex Part Geometry

RIM supports deep sections, compound curves, variable wall thicknesses, structural ribs, and other three-dimensional features that allow the enclosure to perform as a structural component.

Hardware Integration

Threaded inserts, studs, clips, brackets, and other hardware can be integrated during molding or installed during in-house finishing and assembly.

Access Panels & Cutouts

Displays, connectors, ventilation, service openings, and other functional features can be molded or machined into the finished housing.

Cosmetic Finishing

Rimnetics provides in-house trimming, machining, painting, texture coatings, graphic applications, and high-level assembly operations for enclosures that need to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.

Benefits of RIM Enclosures & Housings

Simplified Product Architecture

RIM can combine structural and protective functions into the enclosure itself, allowing the housing to take on work that would otherwise require separate frames, covers, brackets, panels, or supports.

Better Weight-to-Strength Performance

Structural polyurethane provides the rigidity needed for demanding equipment without the weight of a comparable metal housing.

Consistent Surface Quality

RIM produces finished surfaces suitable for applications where appearance matters; painting and finishing can further improve cosmetics, durability, and brand presentation.

Reduced Assembly Requirements

Integrated structural and assembly features and consolidated components can reduce hardware, assembly errors, and the number of downstream operations required to build the finished product.

Easier Design Evolution

Lower-cost aluminum tooling makes it easier to accommodate design changes without the expense and limitations of traditional steel tooling.

No Excessive Tooling Risk

RIM provides a cost-effective path to production without requiring the high upfront tooling investment associated with conventional injection molding.

Common Applications

Medical Devices

Protective and structural housings for diagnostic equipment, imaging systems, medical carts, and other specialized devices.

Laboratory Equipment

Instrument enclosures and housings for analyzers, benchtop equipment, scientific instruments, and laboratory systems.

Robotics

Structural housings, enclosures and panels for robotic systems, automation platforms, mobile robots, and integrated equipment.

Electronics

Plastic enclosures for kiosks, ATMs, industrial control systems, and connected devices.

Industrial Equipment

Control panel enclosures, machine housings, equipment covers, and structural components for industrial systems.

Not sure if your application is a fit? Send us your CAD file and we’ll provide an initial feasibility assessment.

Why Rimnetics for Custom RIM Enclosures & Housings

Rimnetics builds enclosures and housings that are engineered to perform—not just protect.

01.

40+ Years of RIM Expertise

Thousands of enclosures and housings produced across a range of industry applications

02.

Fewer Parts, Better Reliability

Complex housings consolidated into a less parts, reducing assembly, fasteners, and failure points

03.

Large Format Capability

Single-shot enclosures and housings up to 8' x 8' x 3'

04.

Durability in Real-World Conditions

Built to handle impact, vibration, and environmental exposure

05.

Lower Tooling Investment

Aluminum tooling supports both prototyping and production without the high cost of traditional injection molded enclosures

06.

Full-Service RIM Manufacturing

The same team supports design review, tooling, molding, and finishing

07.

ISO 9001:2015 Registered, ITAR Compliant

Built for regulated industries where enclosure quality and traceability are mandatory requirements

08.

24-72 Hour CAD Review

Initial engineering feedback within one to three business days

FAQ

RIM Enclosures & Housings FAQs

What are custom RIM enclosures and housings?+

Custom RIM enclosures and housings are structural plastic parts manufactured through reaction injection molding using engineered polyurethane systems. They are typically chosen when the program requires large part size, complex geometry, integrated features, or production volumes where conventional injection molded enclosures become cost-prohibitive.

What is the difference between an enclosure and a housing?+

In most manufacturing contexts, enclosures and housings refer to the same type of part: a molded outer structure. The terminology typically reflects the industry or application. Medical and laboratory equipment programs tend to use "housing," while electronics and industrial programs more commonly use "enclosure." At Rimnetics, both are produced through the same RIM process with the same structural capabilities.

Can RIM enclosures and housings replace multi-part sheet metal assemblies?+

Yes, and this is one of the strongest use cases for RIM. A sheet metal enclosure that requires welding, bending, and assembling multiple panels can often be consolidated into one or two RIM molded housings. This reduces labor, hardware count, failure points, and overall program cost while producing a part with better structural consistency and cleaner cosmetics.

What are plastic enclosures used for?+

Plastic enclosures and housings are used to protect, organize, and structurally support internal components across medical, laboratory, industrial, electronics, defense, and robotics applications. RIM plastic enclosures are particularly well suited when the part must be self-supporting, large, or consolidated from multiple components into a single molded solution.

Can Rimnetics manufacture control panel enclosures?+

Yes. Rimnetics manufactures control panel enclosures and related housings that require structural integrity, integrated mounting features, and production-ready consistency. These programs are a strong fit for RIM when the enclosure must support electronics, industrial interfaces, or demanding operating environments.

What size enclosures and housings can Rimnetics produce?+

Single-shot enclosures and housings up to 8' x 8' x 3' are within Rimnetics’ production capability—dimensions that are simply not practical with conventional injection molding tooling and press requirements. If your enclosure is pushing the limits of what traditional processes can handle, that is exactly where RIM performs best. Submit your CAD file to confirm your part is within scope.

When does it make sense to choose RIM over injection molded enclosures?+

RIM is typically the better fit when the enclosure or housing is large, geometrically complex, or produced at low-to-mid volumes where steel tooling investment cannot be justified. Injection molded enclosures are more cost-effective at very high volumes with simpler geometry. For programs running 50 to several thousand units per year with complex requirements, RIM almost always wins.

How do I start an enclosure or housing project with Rimnetics?+

Submit your CAD file through our website. Our engineering team will review the design for technical and economic feasibility and return initial feedback within 24-72 hours. There is no commitment required to receive the assessment.