Software to design a custom case

[GauntletV2]

So for my next computer I really want to design my own case, and then have it fabricated at some factory.  Ill figure out the second part later, but what is a good program for me to use (preferably free)

[Radium_Angel]

AutoCAD. It's free if you have a student e.mail address

If you don't...try SketchUP.

[Radium_Angel]

BTW, the cost from a CNC company to custom build your one-off PC case will be in the 4 to 5 figures.

[Damascus]

Autodesk fusion 360

[GauntletV2]

3 minutes ago, Radium_Angel said:

BTW, the cost from a CNC company to custom build your one-off PC case will be in the 4 to 5 figures.

I know linus uses protocase a lot, i was expecting somewhere around 300-400 usd, is that reasonable or is it really in the 4 figures?

 

[Radium_Angel]

Just now, GauntletV2 said:

I know linus uses protocase a lot, i was expecting somewhere around 300-400 usd, is that reasonable or is it really in the 4 figures?

 

I got a quote from a local CNC shop some years ago for some custom hardware for a case. I was quoted 6,000$ for the programming (CAD only) plus the reprogramming of their CNC machines, plus labour and materials.

 

YMMV and almost certainly will, but don't expect it to be cheap, if you want quality.

 

[SquintyG33Rs]

6 minutes ago, GauntletV2 said:

I know linus uses protocase a lot, i was expecting somewhere around 300-400 usd, is that reasonable or is it really in the 4 figures?

 

once you have it designed you're likely to be better off doing ti yourself. it won't cost you much at all then and with some trial and error you'll get it right. even the cost of materials for the fails will still be very very much cheaper than asking a company to do a 1 time case. and you could even end up making 2 and selling it getting back 100% of the cost of both

[GauntletV2]

8 hours ago, Radium_Angel said:

I got a quote from a local CNC shop some years ago for some custom hardware for a case. I was quoted 6,000$ for the programming (CAD only) plus the reprogramming of their CNC machines, plus labour and materials.

 

YMMV and almost certainly will, but don't expect it to be cheap, if you want quality.

 

I think if i follow though with this, getting it 3d printed may not be a bad idea

[Radium_Angel]

15 hours ago, SquintyG33Rs said:

once you have it designed you're likely to be better off doing ti yourself. it won't cost you much at all then and with some trial and error you'll get it right. even the cost of materials for the fails will still be very very much cheaper than asking a company to do a 1 time case. and you could even end up making 2 and selling it getting back 100% of the cost of both

Assuming he has the talent to make it. It's not easy to work in metal and plastic and get tolerances right.

 

6 hours ago, GauntletV2 said:

I think if i follow though with this, getting it 3d printed may not be a bad idea

Which still requires buying a good 3D printer, there are plenty of low level ones good for making little plastic trinkets, but proper ones will set you back a fair chunk of change.

Not trying to discourage the guy, only showing him what he's in for...

[SquintyG33Rs]

10 hours ago, Radium_Angel said:

Assuming he has the talent to make it. It's not easy to work in metal and plastic and get tolerances right.

 

Which still requires buying a good 3D printer, there are plenty of low level ones good for making little plastic trinkets, but proper ones will set you back a fair chunk of change.

Not trying to discourage the guy, only showing him what he's in for...

I don't think 3D printing is an option at all here. When you consider how big a side panel is and the limitations of a 3D printed piece it won't work out. Metal and plastic aren't that hard to work with. A jigsaw with appropriate blades will set you back 80$ and then practice on scraps doing straight cuts. Measure 10 times then cut and anybody can get nice looking results. Sure there will always have a small flaw to free hand that CNC doesn't have. But we're not talking the same costs here.