Task

Your task is to model and print a 3D case for a microcontroller or similar object of your choice. Designing housings is important skill for many maker projects and will enable you to create stable, transportable prototypes that you can show off anywhere.

The choice of modelling/CAD and 3D slicing software is completely up to you, but to allow for rapid printing, the combined width, height and depth of the final case should not exceed 25cm. Designs may be completely enclosed, or open at one side depending on your proposed use.

As well as taking physical measurements, you may also use an existing 3D model of the original object (e.g. from https://grabcad.com/). However the housing you that design around it must be done completely from scratch.

For best results, you should allow time to complete at least one draft 3D print. This will allow you to both refine both your design and the quality of the print or also to experiment with different materials.

If you want to take away your case, we ask for a small donation of at least the cost of the materials (see price list).

Choice of Object

You are free to choose the object that you will create your case for, however you must have the physical object on-hand for reference and it must be detailed enough for you to test your 3D modelling skills. For these reasons your object should be approved by a FabLab manager before starting your project.

Some suggestions of useful objects are:

A case for another of the curriculum projects (synthesiser and Microcontrollers: Follow the Light are good candidates)
A microcontroller or other item we use regularly in the lab
- e.g. Arduino (e.g. Uno, Nano or MKR) or Raspberry Pi
An audio-development board (e.g. STM32 Discovery, ESP32)

Mandatory Part

To be considered a pass, your housing should be stable and fit precisely around your existing object, exposing all relevant points of connection. It is not enough to be correct in the design, this must also come through in the final printed product.