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Various materials are used for control panel constructions, which are selected depending on the requirements and area of application. Common materials are sheet steel, stainless steel and aluminum, as they are robust and durable.
Sheet steel is particularly suitable for industrial applications as it is very strong and easy to machine. Stainless steel is preferred in areas with high hygiene requirements or corrosive environments, such as in the food or chemical industries. Aluminum, on the other hand, offers the advantage of lower weight and is used in mobile applications or for special design requirements.

In addition, plastics such as polycarbonate or glass fiber reinforced plastics are also used, especially for control panels in environments that require electrical insulation. The choice of material always depends on the specific requirements such as temperature resistance, mechanical load or electromagnetic compatibility.

• EPLAN: Widely used for the creation of circuit diagrams and the documentation of control panels.
• SolidWorks: Often used for mechanical design and the creation of housing designs.
• AutoCAD: Classic software for technical drawings and designs in 2D.
• Zuken E3.series: Especially for the design of electrical systems and cable harnesses.
• Siemens NX: Offers extended functions for simulation and design.
  

The choice of software depends on the type of project, customer requirements and the complexity of the panel design.

Control panel constructions are subject to a large number of standards and regulations that vary depending on the application and region. In Europe, EN 61439 is one of the most important standards regulating safety, performance and reliability requirements. This standard specifies tests for thermal load, short-circuit resistance and electrical insulation.

The ATEX directives also apply to switchboards that are used in potentially explosive atmospheres. These specify which materials and construction methods may be used to ensure safety.

Depending on the industry, other specific standards such as the VDE directives or industry-specific requirements must be taken into account, for example in medical technology or the automotive industry. Specialists should be familiar with these standards to ensure compliance and minimize potential liability risks.

Heat generation in control panel constructions is a key factor that must be taken into account right from the planning phase in order to avoid overheating and damage to the components.

Modern control panels often have active or passive cooling. Passive systems rely on natural convection by integrating ventilation slots or heat conducting plates. Active cooling, on the other hand, uses fans or air conditioning units to dissipate excess heat in a targeted manner.

Another approach is the targeted arrangement of components. Heat-generating devices, such as transformers or frequency converters, are placed strategically so that their heat generation does not affect sensitive components. In addition, the use of thermal simulations is becoming increasingly popular in order to analyze and optimize heat distribution as early as the planning phase.