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Designing a Custom 3D Printed Project Enclosure Using Onshape

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of 3D design using Onshape, an online CAD tool. Our focus will be on creating a custom 3D printed project enclosure. Imagine you have a PCB with specific mounting holes and a power jack, and you cannot find a suitable off-the-shelf enclosure. By designing and 3D printing a custom enclosure, you can tailor it precisely to your project's requirements.

Getting Started with Onshape

When you visit Onshape.com, create an account to store your projects securely. Once logged in, familiarize yourself with the interface. Start by changing the workspace units to millimeters for precision.

Designing the Enclosure

Creating the Base

  1. Sketching: Begin by sketching an arbitrary rectangle on the top plane. Customize its dimensions to your needs.
  2. Extruding: Extrude the sketch to create a 3D object. This forms the base of your enclosure.

Adding Features

  1. Corner Pillars: Sketch corner rectangles on the base for adding screw pillars. Extrude these pillars to the desired height.
  2. Screw Holes: Add holes at the corners for securing the top cover. Sketch circles and extrude them accordingly.

Enhancing Details

  1. Standoffs: Design standoffs for the circuit board. Sketch circles, define dimensions, and extrude them appropriately.
  2. Variable Usage: Explore using variables to easily modify dimensions across your design.

Creating the Cover

  1. Sketching and Extruding: Sketch a rectangle on the top plane to create the cover. Add screw holes and chamfers for a professional finish.
  2. Round Off Corners: Use the Fillet tool to round off corners, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the enclosure.

Assembling the Parts

  1. Testing Fit: Use the assembly feature to test how different parts fit together. Ensure alignment and functional integration.
  2. Exporting for Printing: Export your design as STL files for 3D printing. Remember to check for proper dimensions and fit.

Conclusion

Designing a custom 3D printed project enclosure in Onshape offers endless possibilities for creating tailored solutions. Whether for electronics projects or mechanical devices, mastering the basics of CAD design opens doors to innovation. Start creating your own custom enclosures today!

Meet Tripo

Discover the capabilities of Tripo and unlock a world of possibilities:

  • Draft Model Generation: Instantly spark inspiration with our fastest models. Perfect for rapid prototyping and conceptualization, this feature lets you explore various designs or perspectives before diving into detailed modeling. Accepts both text and image input.

  • Refine Draft Models: Elevate the quality of your initial draft models into finely detailed creations. Seamlessly transition from conceptual drafts to high-resolution models, streamlining your creative workflow.

  • Model Animation: Bring your creations to life with automated animation. Transform static models into dynamic animations, enhancing presentations or digital experiences effortlessly.

  • Stylization and Conversion: Customize and convert your models with unparalleled ease. From transforming models into lego-like or voxel-based versions to supporting format conversion (USDZ or FBX), Tripo offers unique stylization options, ensuring compatibility across platforms and applications while injecting a creative twist into your projects.