An electronic locker combines repeated sheet metal compartments with locks, sensors, wiring and software-controlled access. The fabricator may only supply the cabinet structure, but structural variation directly affects whether doors align, electronic locks engage and modular banks join cleanly at the installation site.
A useful RFQ separates the mechanical cabinet from electronics and system responsibility while preserving every interface between them.
Define the Product Architecture
Start by identifying:
- indoor or outdoor installation
- freestanding, wall-mounted or built-in arrangement
- number and size of compartments
- single cabinet or field-joined modular bank
- service compartment for controls and power
- front or rear service access
- anchoring and leveling method
- shipping as an assembled cabinet or flat-packed modules
For a modular bank, establish one repeatable coordinate system. Door openings, joining holes, base channels and top caps should reference the same module datums so cabinets do not accumulate alignment error across a row.
Door Gaps and Lock Engagement
The lock is usually the critical mechanical interface. Use the selected lock, strike, sensor and emergency-release hardware as controlled inputs.
The drawing should define:
- lock and strike mounting pattern
- engagement depth and adjustment
- hinge type and axis
- closed-position door gap
- door flushness
- anti-pry geometry required by the product owner
- cable or flex-loop clearance
- manual override and service route
Do not rely on a large slotted strike to absorb an uncontrolled cabinet. Provide adjustment for assembly, but keep the frame, hinge and opening within a stable stack.
Stiffness Without Excess Weight
Tall locker banks can rack during transport and installation. Door openings remove much of the front-frame continuity. Possible structural features include:
- folded vertical mullions
- reinforced base and top rails
- tied rear panels
- local hinge and lock doublers
- field-joining brackets
- wall or floor anchor interfaces
The OEM should define handling and installed load cases. Anchoring design and building compatibility belong to the site plan, not an assumed sheet metal detail.
Wiring and Electronics Service
Even when the fabricator does not supply electronics, the cabinet needs:
- protected wire routes
- grommeted pass-throughs
- cable retention points
- service loops at doors
- controller and power-supply mounting
- ventilation or thermal provisions from the system designer
- separation and grounding features from the electrical plan
Provide the connector envelope and installation sequence. A wireway that is accessible in an empty cabinet can become blocked after doors and lock modules are installed.
Outdoor Sealing and Drainage
An outdoor parcel locker needs more than a weather-resistant coating. Rain can enter around doors, display modules, roof joints and field-connected cabinet seams.
Coordinate:
- sloped roof or top-cap drainage
- door returns and drip edges
- gasket or labyrinth strategy
- display and reader cutout seals
- base drainage and condensation path
- cable entry and anchor penetrations
If an IP or other enclosure rating is required, define the complete configured product and test method. A perforated or open-bottom cabinet may use a different weather strategy than a sealed enclosure, so avoid attaching a rating without testing.
Finish and Appearance
Locker fronts are repetitive, so small variation is visible. Define:
- color and gloss range
- texture
- cosmetic face classification
- door-to-door gap and flushness
- logo, label and screen-print artwork
- coating pretreatment and dry film thickness
- masking at locks, hinges and grounding points
For outdoor use, match substrate and coating system to the site environment and maintenance plan.
First-Article and Functional Checks
Inspect:
- cabinet and module squareness
- field-joining fit
- door gap, flushness and swing
- lock and sensor engagement
- emergency access path
- cable routing and service access
- anchor and leveling interfaces
- coating and cosmetic appearance
- configured rain or ingress test, if required
- packaging protection for doors and electronics
RFQ Package
Send the cabinet assembly, module map, door schedule, approved lock and electronics models, installed and shipping load cases, site environment, anchoring interface, finish, functional test and assembly scope. Identify customer-supplied components and programming responsibility.
See our smart locker and parcel cabinet page or send the modular assembly and lock package for quotation.
Need a Custom Sheet Metal Quote?
Send us your CAD drawings — DRAmetal's initial response target is within 24 working hours. Quotation, DFM and lead-time timing depend on file completeness and engineering scope.
GET A FREE QUOTE →
