Frame with display: the perfect synthesis of mechanical design and electronic integration
September 22, 2025
Summary
A frame with display is more than just a metal enclosure with an opening. It represents the meeting point between the robustness of mechanics and the interactivity of electronics, a critical element that defines the usability, durability, and reliability of an entire piece of equipment. Its design requires a multidisciplinary approach in which precision mechanical workmanship must dialogue with the needs of display protection, thermal management of components, and electromagnetic compatibility. At MIBA, we have turned this complex challenge into one of our core competencies. With more than 45 years of experience, we do not just manufacture an enclosure, but offer an integrated solution that starts from co-design to ensure the perfect symbiosis between the mechanical and electronic parts. We manage every step, from precision machining to final assembly and testing, to deliver a display chassis that is functional, safe, and ready to become the reliable face of our customers' product.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In the landscape of modern technology products, the frame with display has become the physical and visual interface between the user and the machine. Whether it is an industrial control panel, an information totem, or an electromedical device, this component plays a crucial dual role: on the one hand, it must protect the delicate internal electronics and the display itself from impact, dust, liquids, and interference; on the other hand, it must enhance the user experience, ensuring perfect visibility, ergonomic interaction, and aesthetic appeal.
This dual nature generates a number of complex challenges. Mechanical precision is no longer sufficient if it is not designed with the electronics it must accommodate in mind. Robustness must be reconciled with the need to dissipate heat. Aesthetics must meet the constraints imposed by safety and sealing regulations. Making a frame with display success therefore means mastering the art of combining two worlds, that of metalworking and that of electronic component integration, turning a potential point of criticality into a strength of the final product.
Designing for integration: the foundations of a successful display frame solution
The success of a frame with display is decided largely before the first sheet is even cut. A careful design and co-engineering phase is critical to anticipate and solve problems. At MIBA, we work alongside our clients to analyze and optimize every aspect:
Protection and Sealing (IP Grade): the first question is where will the device operate? Depending on the environment, the chassis will need to provide a specific Ingress Protection (IP) rating against the ingress of dust and liquids. This influences the design of the joints, the choice of gaskets, and the attachment system of the display, which must be perfectly sealed without creating mechanical stress on the glass.
Ergonomics and User Experience (UX): the tilt of the display, the height from the ground, the absence of reflections, and the position of any physical buttons are details that determine the quality of interaction. We collaborate to define geometries that provide the best possible user experience, in line with the function of the product.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): a display is a potential source of electromagnetic emissions and, at the same time, can be sensitive to external interference. The metal frame acts as a Faraday cage, but its effectiveness depends on proper design of openings, electrical continuity between panels, and the use of conductive gaskets or shielded glass when necessary.
Thermal Management: the display and control electronics generate heat that must be dissipated to ensure optimal operation and longevity. We analyze air flows and, if necessary, integrate passive (such as cooling fins) or active (fan arrangements) dissipation solutions into the chassis, ensuring that ventilation does not compromise IP rating.
From theory to practice: precision in machining as a prerequisite
Once the design is defined, the production phase requires absolute precision, as any slightest error can compromise the integration of the display or the tightness of the frame. Our production process is optimized for these specific requirements:
Cutting the opening: the opening for the display is the most critical element. We use fiber laser cutting to ensure maximum dimensional accuracy and perfectly clean edges, free of burrs that could damage the display or seals.
Fasteners and supports: instead of welded nuts, which can deform the sheet metal, we favor the use of self-clamping inserts (PEMs). These components, cold pressed into the sheet metal, provide strong and precise threads for fastening the display, electronic boards and other components, ensuring perfect positioning and speeding assembly.
Flatness and finish: the surface on which the display rests must be perfectly flat to avoid point stresses on the glass, which could cause it to break. Our bending and welding processes are controlled to minimize deformation. In addition, surface treatments, such as powder coating, are applied using techniques that ensure uniform thickness, even in the most difficult corners.
Beyond metal: assembly and services that create value
Making the metal shell is only part of the job. The real added value lies in our ability to provide a complete, ready-to-use solution. Our assembly service transforms the frame from a simple semi-finished product to a functional subassembly:
Display and component assembly: our skilled workers handle the installation of the display, gaskets, any protective glass or touch screens, and all associated electronics. We handle wiring in an orderly and safe manner, ensuring that cables are not pinched or subjected to mechanical stress.
Functional testing: We do not limit ourselves to a dimensional check. upon request, we perform functional testing on the assembled subassembly, verifying that the display is turned on, the touch screen is working, and that all components are properly connected. This ensures that the customer receives a pre-tested and functioning unit.
Integrated logistics and customized packaging: a frame with display is a delicate product. We design custom packaging that protects the product from shock and vibration during transport, ensuring that it arrives at its destination in perfect condition.
A strategic partner for the entire life cycle
Our approach is not limited to a single order. We act as a strategic partner for the entire product life cycle. We support our clients in the prototyping phase, quickly producing the first samples for the necessary technical and aesthetic validations. We manage the pre-series phase, refining processes to optimize costs and assembly time in preparation for mass production. Finally, we ensure stable and reliable supply flows for serial production, with the flexibility to adapt to changes in demand. This ability to accompany the customer at every stage, always keeping the focus on quality and efficiency, is what turns a supply into a true partnership.
MIBA's commitment: turning complexity into reliability.à
A frame with display high quality does not come about by chance. It is the result of an integrated process where every detail, from design to choice of materials, from precision workmanship to care in assembly, contributes to the final result. The cross-disciplinary experience of MIBA in dozens of industries allows us to approach each new project with a wealth of proven solutions and a deep understanding of the challenges. Our commitment is to take on the complexity of this process, to deliver to our clients a solution that is not only aesthetically impeccable, but above all robust, functional and reliable over time.
