How to Fabricate an LED Sign Cabinet
LED displays are used in a variety of applications and the modules for these displays are being sold as spare parts. An LED display can be assembled without a sign manufacturer if you are knowledgeable in electrical wiring. But the modules will still need a cabinet to be installed into. Without a cabinet the electrical components of an LED display are exposed to dust and other debris that could cause damage. An LED display cabinet can be made from aluminum sheet metal and a few rivets.
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- 36 inch by 36 inch Sheet metal
- Metal snips
- Metal brake
- Rivets
- Rivet gun
- Drill
- 1/8 inch drill bit
- Silicone
Instructions
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1
Measure six inches from each edge of the sheet metal and mark the location. Draw a straight line the length of each side at the marked location.
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2
Cut along the line with metal snips on the edges of the sheet metal that will be the top and bottom of the LED cabinet. Cut until you reach where the lines from the two sides intersect.
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3
Place the sheet metal in the metal brake so that the line on the metal lines up with the edge of the brake. Pull down on the handles of the brake to bend the metal. Repeat this process for each of the sides.
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4
Bend the tabs that are sticking out from the sides of the cabinet over the top and bottom edges of the cabinet. Drill holes with the 1/8 inch drill bit through the center of the tab and through the cabinet wall behind it. Repeat this process for the other corners.
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5
Place rivets in the drilled holes and use a rivet gun to secure them in place.
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6
Seal the seams at each of the corners with a bead of silicone to reduce the amount of dust that can enter the cabinet.
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7
Drill a hole in the bottom right corner of the cabinet with a 1 inch drill bit to provide access for the power to be provided to the cabinet. Place a thin bead of silicone over the edge of the cut circle to dull the edges of the cut metal and prevent damage to the power cord.
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8
Install the LED sign components to the inside of the cabinet as directed by the schematic.
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1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
