Custom Snap Circuit

thingiverse

#About# This is a plastic case one can use to create custom Snap Circuits. Snap Circuits by Elenco are a great way for kids to learn about electronics. With a 3D printer you can expand the available components by creating your own. Snap Circuits by Elenco, https://amzn.to/2zYI7tT #Updates# Working on a new version of the 1x3 currently which is a taller, has larger tabs and component holes that are closer together. I'm finding that even though the current version is taller than the originals (due to snap size) it's quite difficult to solder everything in and fit the cover on properly. Testing the new version now. I am also working on a 3x3 version (for an 8 pin IC socket), and a 1x3x3 (for a 3 pin potentiometer). #Printing# Both the base and cover should print without supports or raft. I usually use a raft regardless though. #Assembly# Print a base and a cover piece. Affix snaps to both the base and cover by placing one part of the snap on the outside and another on the inside and using a snap tool to crimp them together. Thread your component leads through the holes in the cover and bend them towards the inside of the cover snaps. Use a short length of solid 22 or 24 gauge wire to connect the component lead to both the top cover snaps and base snaps. To solder the wires to the cover snaps I crimp a little "V" into the wire so that a portion sits inside the snap's cavity, this makes soldering easy. Solder the component lead to one end of this wire, while the other will be soldered to the base snap. Cut the wire so you have just enough to keep the base and cover open enough to solder and to reach the base snaps. To solder the wire to the base snaps I use a center punch to make a divot and then drill a hole, thread the wire into the hole and solder in place. Place the cover on the base. This may require a shim of some sort to pry the sides open enough for the small tabs on the sides of the covers to fit into the mount holes on the base. 12mm Snaps, https://amzn.to/2PWeOTx Snap Tool, https://amzn.to/2HT6ptE #Notes# Don't use the above capacitor, it's for comedic purposes only and would be dangerous for children.