Moducase - Modular enclosure for electronics. Designed for the Anet A8 by allen476

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

Update 8/12/17
I revised the covers and connecting splice due to a mis-alignment of the holes. I had printed them but didn't put them on until yesterday when I found out they were off 2-3mm in each direction. Trying to figure that one out.
Project now completely printed and done.
Update 8/1/17
I have printed this and fixed almost all errors. There is still misalignment with the mosfet mounting holes and the unit is 4-5 mm too wide to fit between the sides. I am planning to fix it when I have it apart the next time. The width is too much to fix.
This takes about 4 days to print and isn't for the faint at heart. However you will have a ton of room so it is your call.
There is the standard anet mounting plate and a RAMPS 1.4 mounting plate that adapts to the anet mounting holes in the files.
Update 5/3/17
I discovered during the design of a half case add-on that the holes for the original cover were wrong. I have removed the original cover file from the download and replaced it with the correct one. I also added a half size case with the needed side, cover, and cover splice.
If you design anything to be used with this, please make sure to put MODUCASE in the title so that way it is easy to find mounts/parts/accessories.
I am only offering the MKS mosfet and Anet A8 board mounts because that is all I have for measurements. Not because I don't want to do anymore.
Moducase V1.0
I grew frustrated over the fact that any enclosure didn't really have any room in them and they all had fixed mountings. Triangular shapes cut down on available space. Sure they might look nice but aren't practical.
So I designed this to be completely modular. Replaceable sides, covers, and mounts. The long sides are solid so you can mount a fan if you want or drill vent holes where you want them. You also have the option to drill for wire entry where you want it. They are square so you get more room. It is a tool, not the Easter dinner centerpiece.
You can also add these together in any configuration. Double, triple, you name it. Long or short sides together as well. The sides are 3mm thick (almost 1/8"). The bottom is 5mm thick.
No need to print a whole new enclosure because you messed up. Just print the part you need.
Remember that this is version 1. It might seem cumbersome but down the road if you upgrade or replace, then it could be as simple as reprinting some sides and maybe a cover. I am thinking about designing a simple pin instead of using screws and nuts.
Also I will be adding to the pictures section, the dimensions so if you want to design something different to go with it, you will have the measurements.
Tools and hardware you will need:
The holes are for M3 screws and nuts. You can countersink the heads if using flat-head screws. Amazon is a great source for M3 screws and nuts.
Metric hex keys
Metric drill bits (you can use standard but metric ones take some guess work out of it)
Countersink for screws (If using flat-heads). You can use for M3 screws as well. I recommend this style https://www.amazon.com/Countersink-Drill-Carpentry-Reamer-Woodwork/dp/B01H1D6FMA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493189234&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=countersink&psc=1 as they drill and counter sink all in one.
If you want just a countersink then this will work. https://www.amazon.com/Industrial-Center-Countersink-Degree-Included/dp/B00M54BPRQ/ref=sr_1_50?ie=UTF8&qid=1493189519&sr=8-50-spons&keywords=countersink&psc=1
Screwdriver or allen wrench for your screws.
A drill
Step bits https://www.amazon.com/HSS-Step-Drill-Bits-Danslesbls/dp/B01A6UTUKY/ref=sr_1_140?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1493189970&sr=1-140&keywords=step+bit These work great to make any size hole you need and quite cheap.
If you have any design improvement ideas, email me or leave a comment.