The Challenge

A scientific equipment manufacturer approached our team while developing a new instrument for analysing protein structure and dynamics. Designed as an accessory for a mass spectrometer, the Nicoya instrument required an external enclosure that was both functional and visually refined.

The client had an initial concept for the instrument’s outer covers but required additional design and engineering support to turn this into a practical, robust and manufacturable solution. The enclosure needed to protect the internal equipment while providing the necessary access, connections and flexibility to accommodate different instrument configurations.

Alongside the engineering requirements, the enclosure also needed to deliver a clean, professional aesthetic suitable for a sophisticated scientific instrument.
Key areas requiring support included:
• Developing the initial concept into a refined enclosure design
• Determining appropriate wall thicknesses, reinforcement and support structures
• Considering draft angles and other manufacturing requirements
• Designing secure connections between the enclosure and the internal frame
• Incorporating hinges, pivoting doors and appropriate access points
• Providing a method for routing power into the doors
• Allowing for output cabling and other electrical connections
• Accommodating different instrument configurations
• Balancing practical engineering requirements with the overall appearance of the finished instrument

The Solution

AME-3D provided design and engineering support to develop the outer enclosure for the Nicoya instrument, combining functional design, manufacturability and considered aesthetics.

Working through two design iterations, we developed the enclosure around the instrument’s internal frame, ensuring that the panels could be securely attached while allowing access to the components and connections required for operation.

The enclosure comprised fixed side panels, with provision for output cabling, alongside a fixed top panel incorporating a removable centre section. This approach allowed the enclosure to accommodate different configurations of the instrument.

Two pivoting doors were also incorporated into the design. One featured integrated LED lighting and a transparent panel, providing visibility into the instrument while maintaining the enclosure’s protective function.

Throughout the development process, careful consideration was given not only to practical engineering details, including panel strength, fixing methods, wall thicknesses, draft angles and door movement, but also to the visual appearance of the enclosure. The aim was to create a cohesive, professional finish that complemented the scientific instrument while meeting the demands of manufacture and assembly.

The Results

Developed a refined outer enclosure for a scientific instrument used in conjunction with a mass spectrometer to study protein structure and dynamics.
Progressed the design through two iterations, developing the initial concept into a more complete and practical enclosure solution.
Combined aesthetics with engineering functionality, creating an enclosure designed to look as good as it performs.
Created a complete enclosure concept incorporating fixed panels, a removable top section and pivoting doors.
Designed around the internal instrument frame to support secure integration and assembly.
Allowed for different instrument configurations through the removable centre section of the top panel.
Incorporated practical access and cabling provisions to support the instrument’s electrical and operational requirements.
Integrated LED lighting and a transparent panel into one of the pivoting doors, providing visibility into the instrument.
Addressed key manufacturability considerations, including wall thickness, draft angles, support structures and fixing methods.
Provided design and engineering support to help transform the initial enclosure concept into a more developed, production-ready solution.

The project demonstrates how thoughtful enclosure design can bring together engineering performance, manufacturing practicality, and visual quality in a specialist scientific application.