October 30, 2024
Description
NEW VERSION 4.0
This is a large modular electronics enclosure for 3D printers. It's big enough (depending on controller board size) to hold the controller board, a Raspberry Pi, and other electronics. It is not designed to hold the PSU. It is 170mm wide by 220mm long and 64mm tall (68mm with the printed feet). This enclosure can be placed next to your printer or underneath it. If you place it underneath your printer it will need to be raised up on some legs. There are many designs available on Thingiverse including mine here https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3592374.
I originally made this enclosure for my Adimlab printer, but it is designed to hold many popular control boards and a Raspberry Pi (3B+ or 4). If you want a control board added just let me know. It's also big enough to hold other electronics, like buck converters and MOSFETs depending on which control board is installed.
These boards will fit into the enclosure (more can be added):
Most controller boards will have USB/SD ports on the front of the enclosure, but a few of the larger boards have ports on the left side. This is to enable room for the placement of wiring, particularly the power wires. If you would like to have a different configuration let me know. Some boards can be configured for different sides, but the larger boards are pretty much set as they are.
For each board find and print the box side panel(s) and the other parts specifically listed for that board. For the other side panels of the box use the Box_Side_AA files.
Each board has its own mounting standoff. All the controller board standoffs have been standardized for thickness and height. There are a couple of exceptions due to very unique circumstances. Most standoffs are symmetrical, but not all. Some have slots to help with screw placement and some are directional. Look for either 3 dots or an arrow. The side with the dots or arrow will go towards the front of the box.
Recommend the following procedure for the standoffs. Place the board loosely on the standoff in the box and line up the board to the USB/SD opening. Mark the standoff position on the bottom of the enclosure. Take the board out then line up the standoff where marked and screw it down using the mounting holes on the standoff.
There are 3 different LCD options at this time. For the Adimlab printers, there is an option to attach the stock LCD screens into a housing on the front. There is also an MKS TFT35 LCD option for the MKS Nano boards. The original thing file for the panel is https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2993069. I have included and renamed the original files without remixing them to fit the enclosure naming convention. Last there is a BTT TFT35 housing.
The cooling fan opening on the lid is sized for a 120mm fan. If the board is too tall with drivers you can mount the fan on top (keep in mind the total height). I recommend using a 12v 120mm x 15mm fan (use a buck converter for a 24v board). There is also an option for 80mm, 92mm and triple 40mm fans on the left side. Other fan configurations can be added.
Hardware:
Recommend to use self-tapping M3 screws. Attach the bottom to the corners with longer screws such as M3 x 16 for a nice tight fit. The lid can be attached with shorter screws.
Use self-tapping M3 screws to mount the boards to the standoffs M3 x 4 or M3 x 6 should work.
Use M3 self-tapping screws or use m3 screws & nuts to attach the standoffs, the SKR Pro side box, and the cooling fan.
If desired use some glue to stiffen up the enclosure during assembly and to help hold other parts in place as needed. For wire management, use the new tie strap towers or some other tie strap anchors available on Thingiverse.
This is the type of self-tapping screws recommended: https://www.amazon.com/Zinc-Plated-Tapping-Assortment-Drilling-Storage/dp/B07DLWSQD5/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=self+tapping+m3+screws&qid=1602278163&sr=8-3
I used some parametric resources here on Thingiverse to help create the box and the standoffs and I thank those designers for their excellent work.
Please post makes!
UPDATE: 5/1/2023 This is a large update to this enclosure. I'm calling it version 4.0!
-The main change is a new "pegboard" bottom. This bottom is covered with a grid of holes. This means that rather than placing a new board in the enclosure and putting new holes in the bottom the board standoffs are customized to fit the bottom.
UPDATE: 5/6/23
UPDATE: 5/7/23
UPDATE: 5/24/23
UPDATE: 5/27/23
Print Settings
Notes:
Use supports on the corner pieces. Support will not be needed on everything else.
You will have to flip the lids and reorient other parts as they are in the orientation of the model and not for printing. Suggest using the Cura auto orientation plugin.
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution
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JB3Designs
