Looking for 3D files to make small plastic boxes for electronic projects - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: gmc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2021, 03:29:08 pm
content: I've been using small plastic ABS boxes for electronic projects for years. Having just bought a 3D printer I though why not now print my own.Something like this: (10cm x 5cm x 2cm)Thought I'd have more luck asking here as I'm sure someone has made these. I've searched of thingverse but not having any luck (my google skills are failing me as well)Still a 3D beginner so using freecad or openscad is a little out of my depth at the moment.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2021, 03:54:36 pm
content: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1680291https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4140648https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4666908https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4704129https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2529094/fileshttps://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1264391https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3523621https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4581983and a lot more !

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2021, 03:55:20 pm
content: search for customizable case,box,pcb

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2021, 04:17:04 pm
content: video in french but easy to see how to make a box with cover using freecad

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2021, 05:04:37 pm
content: A little bit off topic but maybe related.Once you get past the fact that it's about making a curve tracer and while it isn't about 3D printing it does have some useful info on enclosure making.

author: gmc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2021, 06:57:09 pm
content: Thanks for all the replies.The customizable case looks like it will do the job.Also a great video on freecad. That will really help in the future.

author: FrankT
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2021, 07:49:44 am
content: I highly recommend learning a CAD program to make your own. Boxes are generally pretty simple, and you can really go to town to make custom boxes as you learn new CAD techniques.Another option is to download real models from manufacturers like Hammond. A 3d printed copy will never be as good as the original, but it can serve as a prototype while developing. If I want something tough, I'll design around a metal enclosure, but during prototype stages, I'll use 3d printed version to get all the holes (mounting holes, switch and connector cut-outs, etc) positioned correctly - I usually cnc mill the enclosure once I'm ready, but printing out a 2d plan and sticking it to the real enclosure as a drill/cutting template works too.

author: beanflying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2021, 08:16:15 am
content: Jump onto the 3D printer thread herehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/3d-printing/3d-printer-yet/msg1838297/#msg1838297In the Zip file is the Fusion 360 files and the STL for printing but as mentioned get to know a CAD program

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2021, 10:25:48 am
content: There is a ton of material on this:Snap fit enclosures:https://formlabs.com/blog/designing-3d-printed-snap-fit-enclosures/Tutorials on enclosures:https://www.3dhubs.com/blog/cad-modeling-1-enclosures/https://www.3dhubs.com/knowledge-base/enclosure-design-3d-printing-step-step-guide/And a parametric enclosure generator:https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1264391

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2021, 04:41:48 pm
content: I'm not sure what is going on with your searches but you should be seeing hundreds of of boxes and enclosure on the free CAD sights for 3D printers. Don't give up with your searches, adjust the key words as required to get the types of boxes you are interested in listed.I have to agree with others though, learn a suitable CAD program to design your own. Boxes are fairly easy to design and you can tailor them to specific projects. Which brings up another reason to learn a CAD program or two; that is you can take files from the net and modify them for your specific needs. Often modifying an existing design is the fast way to get what you want.Even more interesting these days are CAD files from commercial sources like Misumi and McMaster-Carr. Maybe not boxes but a massive variety of mechanical parts that can help you along with your CAD development.