[Log]Atomic with custom 3D printed case. Beta case done! Fully functioning.

[MrRooks]

So I'm putting together an Atomic and thought I would post a build log for some feedback.

I have the switches in the plate and it's all hand wired to the teensy. Initial tests showed no faults so I'm pretty happy about that. Now I'm working on designing my case.

I'm still VERY new to CAD so this is a project for me to learn on. I still need to figure out the USB port placement. I ordered M2 heat sets that I can put in the standoffs to give me nice solid threads to screw the plate to. I'm also debating splitting the case in half, right up the center, at least in the early prints for prototyping.



Diode wiring: http://i.imgur.com/xZEjFzf.jpg

Matrix: http://i.imgur.com/aQYonJ3.jpg

Low angle of the Matrix: http://i.imgur.com/QVZySVz.jpg

Completed wiring: http://i.imgur.com/klnRSGY.jpg

Top shot(I need to get proper spaced keys for the bottom row still): http://i.imgur.com/lAHaFUO.jpg

Obligatory cat laying on my dimensional drawing: http://i.imgur.com/jaLghF7.jpg

Draft screen shot of the case: http://i.imgur.com/QkmurpP.png

Update: 3/9/2015

So I started working on this a little again(I'm toying with making my own plate as well) and printed a test piece at a lower res to test out the USB PCB and plate fitting. My printer is currently running and printing out the complete right half, left half will be later.

Here is an album of the prototype case end: http://imgur.com/a/fZUtq

Update 2.

I  decided to print the 2 halves today and I'm really pleased with the result, I have a few things to fix, the main one being that I fat fingered one of the post measurements but luckily it doesn't hit a switch so it's actually ok, I'm just one screw down.

http://imgur.com/a/YMvya

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

twist-ties 4 wires?

I like your style...

[MrRooks]

twist-ties 4 wires?

I like your style...

Haha not twist ties. Just wires.

[suicidal_orange]

That's a very tidy matrix but you're going to need a thick case to fit all those wires in - you already noticed that, and you'll need a big printer too!  Looking forward to more pics

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

twist-ties 4 wires?

I like your style...

Haha not twist ties. Just wires.

lol, the black ones look kinda like twist ties... my mistake...

[MrRooks]

Finally printed a test piece. Updates in OP.

[CPTBadAss]

I'm digging that case design. Looking forward to seeing the rest of it printed.

[bueller]

Looking forward to seeing the finished product! I've just ordered my first 3D printed case a few days ago, hoping and praying that I haven't screwed up any of the measurements. It's incredible to think about where we'll be in 5-10 years with 3D printing considering the strides that have been happening in the last few.

[MrRooks]

Looking forward to seeing the finished product! I've just ordered my first 3D printed case a few days ago, hoping and praying that I haven't screwed up any of the measurements. It's incredible to think about where we'll be in 5-10 years with 3D printing considering the strides that have been happening in the last few.

Thanks! I couldn't agree more. Drawing something up in CAD and then printing it is pretty rewarding. I drew/printed a tiny plate that hold 5 switches and I was so stoked when it was done.

[MrRooks]

Another update! Am I allowed to double post on my own thread?


I finished the beta version of the case! I have a few fixes to make but overall I'm very happy with how it came out.

http://imgur.com/a/YMvya

[nubbinator]

You're outside of classifieds, so double posting is more than fine.

Any plan to acetone vapor finish it?  AFAIK, that strengthens it while also giving it a smoother looking finish.

[MrRooks]

You're outside of classifieds, so double posting is more than fine.

Any plan to acetone vapor finish it?  AFAIK, that strengthens it while also giving it a smoother looking finish.

I want to play with a vapor bath for sure but I'm not in a rush to do that. I have some of the test parts I will experiment on as well. Then if I print it as one big piece I will use these 2 halves to test with then go from there. I know it's easy to overdo the vapor bath.

[CPTBadAss]

Great progress! I'm into the case. And that spacepilot is a good look. I use one daily at work and I'm not sure how I even did CAD work before having one of those lol. They're *so* handy!

[suicidal_orange]

Seems you found a big enough printer )

Looking good!

[vvp]

I want to play with a vapor bath for sure but I'm not in a rush to do that. I have some of the test parts I will experiment on as well. Then if I print it as one big piece I will use these 2 halves to test with then go from there. I know it's easy to overdo the vapor bath.

If you are lazy to do a full vapor bath then you can only paint it with acetone. It is not as good but it will smooth the surface a bit too. And it is not easy to overdo painting with acetone
You can see an example here: http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/katy-keyboard-or-k80cs-key80-contoured-split-t8524.html#p195210

[jdcarpe]

[MrRooks]

Great progress! I'm into the case. And that spacepilot is a good look. I use one daily at work and I'm not sure how I even did CAD work before having one of those lol. They're *so* handy!

Thanks!

Indeed it is very handy, I didn't use it much when I first got it but I use it all the time now. Now if I try to move around with my mouse I screw it up. I did have to switch the push/pull and slide up/down  actions as that was driving me nuts.