Printer Enclosure Cut List (Parametric)

thingiverse

This parametric OpenSCAD file will help you make a simple and easy-to-build printer case. The build output includes a full cut list and includes an estimate of the enclosed volume so you can choose an appropriate ventilation system, if desired. The default units are in inches, but you can use whatever you want because this won't actually get printed. As an example, the cut list output looks something like this: ECHO: "Cut grooves in frame structure to 0.1875 deep." ECHO: "Cut windows a hair small so fit is not too snug." ECHO: "Frame components are organized Left, Right, Bottom, Top." ECHO: "Enclosure is about 2.20269 cubic feet." ECHO: "Table", [16, 19, 0.75] ECHO: "Front Frame", [15.75, 0.75, 0.75], "", "Back" ECHO: "Front Frame", [15.75, 0.75, 0.75], "", "Back" ECHO: "Front Frame", [14.5, 0.75, 0.75], "", "" ...(etc.)... Instructions Change "User-defined values" to define the maximum interior size your printer needs to operate. (e.g. move to the maximums and minimums of each axis. Then render with F5. Copy and paste all the echo output for a complete cut list, including "glass" (plastic, hardboard, etc) panels. The frame pieces in the cut list include "Back" and/or "Front", which indicates where the grooves belong for adding the panels. The grooves are always either on one side or on two adjacent sides (and one piece gets no grooves), but never on opposite sides. You will probably need to chisel a few small portions so that the groove goes all the way around. For wood to build the case, go to your local lumber yard and ask for moulding or trim with a square profile, or mill it yourself if you have the tools. (If you don't have a table saw, you'll probably need to get someone to cut the grooves for you so you can add the panels.) The one in the photo was milled from reclaimed maple board. Square profile molding probably isn't so common that you'll find it at a large home center (like Lowes), but lumber yards should have it or be able to get it. I used wood glue alone for the front, back, and door frames, and used wood screws (with no glue) for the four pieces that connect the front and back so that it can be collapsed if necessary. If you do this, be sure to pre-drill the holes because you're going into end grain and you don't want it to split. Because the glue is end-to-edge grain, probably won't hold up well to a lot of abuse. If you need something sturdier, consider using a wooden dowel, which would still allow you to drill out the holes for the wood screws like I have it. The "glass" panels are clear acrylic sheet, cut to size on a table saw, and the bottom is a bit of 3/4" plywood reclaimed from a server box pallet. I'm venting the case, so I mounted the door so it was pretty close on the top and right, and filled the hinged gap with insulation. This leaves a gap at the bottom front where fresh air can be sucked in. You may want to include these options, as well: Vertical Board Anchor (to stabilize feet): http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39778 Case Lid Position Guide (to stabilize lid): http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39780 Tube Adapter Flange with Optional Grating (for venting): http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:38813 Cable Plug Hole Cover (for passing through wires): http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:38819 Filament Pass-Through: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39782 Knob with Latch: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39974