Raspberry Pi Cases - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2012, 12:48:00 pm
content: So, now the RPi has been available for a while, there seems to be a fair few options for cases alreadySo far I've tried out the Built To Spec enclosure (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:25100) and it's quite nice. I'm about to cut out the Adafruit one (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:24461) to see if its much better. I've seen a couple of ideas for mass produced injection mold cases as well.Pics of BuiltToSpec:http://imgur.com/a/NMt7M(Haven't got correct M3 screws atm)What is everyone else using for a case? Before, I had the free-air cable suspension caseEdit:http://imgur.com/a/eWjSXFound some suitably long bolts (phillips countersunk... not ideal) and took some proper quality pics

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2012, 03:10:38 pm
content: My Pi is on it's way from Farnell (was expecting a 5 week wait-but was dispatched yesterday after ordering on Thursday). I may be ordering the same case from AdaFruit but will have to get it direct from them as non of the distributors seem to stock them in the UK.I'll have a look at the built to spec one and reply here.David.P.S Now that I've had a look it's obvious that you have to have a 3d printer to make one of these, which I don't have. Suppose I could get one made up at shapeways. Probably cost me more though.P.P.S So you can buy them already printed up, wonder how much that will cost me? I think I'll buy one of the black case kits.

author: Chet T16
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2012, 03:29:52 pm
content: I have a Built to Spec one (without light pipes) made by someone over here which was €15 delivered

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2012, 03:46:59 pm
content: Just cut out the adafruit version which basically clips together. You really want this one precision cut with a laser cutter. There is very little margin otherwise its a total pain in the ass to clip together.If you just want something to stick the RPi in, the adafruit one isn't a bad choice. It's not as tall, perhaps a little easier to assemble. It's not something you want to be opening up all the time though and there is no access to internal pins except for the slot to the GPIO using a ribbon cable. Best thing going for it is availability.To be fair, this is one I did cut myself using their design files on thingiverse. One you purchase from them will probably be perfect.Built To Spec one is a bit taller, but I feel it holds the RPi more securely, is much easier to disassemble, and you can leave the top panel off to gain access to everything while still protecting the board. Light pipes are a cool idea too. I'll probably end up making one out of smoke grey acrylic and then making some light pipes out of the clear stuff.djsb: I used my CNC machine to cut it from sheet acrylic. Probably only about $3-4 worth for each oneEdit:http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:24461Eh, first comment there is someone complaining that the clipping system is a bit rubbish, even on bought ones.

author: Chet T16
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2012, 03:49:52 pm
content: What cnc machine have you? Is it a good one?

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2012, 03:52:49 pm
content: I've sent built to spec a message asking if they ship to the UK or have a distibutor here. I like the look of that black version.I can't be bothered getting one made up at work (CNC machines all over the place). Wonder if there is anywhere I can buy these in the UK?David.

author: Chet T16
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2012, 04:08:55 pm
content: There is a delivery option but it's more than the case!

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2012, 04:09:04 pm
content: http://builttospecstore.storenvy.com/products/404262-raspberry-pi-enclosure-kitShipping to the UK (and Australia) is $16 though.Chet: I have a chinese CNC6040 machine. There's a thread somewhere in the products forum about it.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2012, 04:13:01 pm
content: I might have a go at designing my own and get it made at Shapeways. Not sure if they do acrylic though. I'll keep looking around.David.

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2012, 04:21:16 pm
content: Seeed Studios:http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/laser-cutting-service-p-1009.html?cPath=185They only do 2.55mm so you have to adjust the design a bit.Ponoko:http://www.ponoko.com/make-and-sell/materials/ponoko-razorlab-london?kind=Plastic&mode=materialsThrough RazorLAB UK - 0.118" = 3mmPonoko also have manufacturing studios in the USA, New Zealand etc so most areas of the world are covered. Ponoko probably won't be anywhere near as cheap as Seeed though.Also, Seeed only do cutting. They do not do engraving at the moment so no port labels.

author: RCMR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2012, 02:26:23 am
content: Quote from: djsb on July 28, 2012, 03:10:38 pmWell that sucks (for me).I got the email advising that my slice of the Pi was able to be ordered about a month with delivery expected in 9+ weeks. I paid and have been waiting with no notification of shipping yet.Looks like Farnell/E14 are doing a much better job that RS.Bugga!

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2012, 03:19:21 am
content: RS also have pi cases black/clear/white ~$12http://australia.rs-online.com/web/p/processor-microcontroller-development-kits/7644389/?origin=PSF_431027|acc