Enclosure For My New PID Temperature Controller,,, ? HELP!

[jsizemore]

Computer power supply box has everything you need. Vent holes that double as mounting holes for components. The metal is thin enough to use Dremel cutoff wheels for the PID hole and a file to touch up any tight spots. I set my PID a little ways from my pot just in case liquid lead finds an unexpected exit from the pot. That plastic stuff will break your heart and PID. The box acts as the heat sink for the SSR.

[fralic76]

I made a wooden box for mine.

Sent from my SM-G975W using Tapatalk

[SODAPOPMG]

You can use a .30 cal ammo can for the housing it has the advantage of having a built in handle

[BamaNapper]

Y'all certainly get fancy. Switches and fuses? You even have labels! I'm impressed and I kinda feel inadequate. My little PID box has 3 wires coming out of it. Power in, power out, and the probe connection. No switches, no nothing other than the buttons on the PID controller. The outlet I use is on a 10A breaker, and I unplug things when I'm done casting and toss it on the shelf.

I'm jealous of the idea to use an old power supply case. It would have made life easier, and I have more than a couple around here.

[trebleplink]

I drew it up and had the local machine shop burn it in .070 steel. 4 bends later - time for paint. $25. Even though 500-700 watts would not cause the SSR to heat much, I mounted it on a small aluminum plate (better than steel) bolted through to the steel. Works very well.

[SweetMk]

My PID control works great, I am waiting for the correct thermocouple to finalize the build.
I did find a way to use the T/C that came with the PID, i simply stuck the T/C in the gap, under the metal melter.

I added a single bolt sticking out the bottom, about 2" long, that tilts the control side of the enclosure up.
The raised side makes it much easier to see the PID.



Here is a view of the inside, no, I am not a perfect wiring type guy, but it works!!



The circuit breaker makes a PERFECT on/off switch,,,