What about 3D printed chassis

[feeef]

Hello all,

What about finding somebody who could 3D print the cases? I have not much knowledge about this technology so I don't know if it is doable but I just came through the idea.

We could have the design we want if we printed it ourselves.

[nemesis]

From what I understand from reading on Robertos blog it will not be impossible to change the chassi of the notebook and why not have a own 3D printed chassi or even a hand made in wood?

[feeef]

The Novena laptop has a hand-made wood case and I love it!

I think that having a special case or different cases for different tastes or needs can make the laptop very sexy for the users. I think it is time to break the idea of free/open = powerful but ugly and only made for hackers.

Anyway, I will try to think of some case concept and try to draw them when I find the time.

[jjSuper1]

I think the 3D printed idea is wonderful.
Would need:  Someone solid with CAD program, someone with access to 3D printer (find local Hackerspace?).

The CAD design is the tough part, but I could see it designed in two parts, like all laptop cases.

[feeef]

This printer looks like it is big enough to print a 15" laptop case and costs about $2000
http://gcreate.com/gmax-printer-1-5/

I don't know much in 3D printers but I do some researches so I post.
Would be good to have the point of view of a specialist.

[nemesis]

As I am not so well read up on 3D printing and the only things Ive ever seen are in the local electronics shop for display, those 3D printed items look a little fragile. Would a 3D printed Chassis be sturdy?

[jjSuper1]

3d printed prosthetic limbs have been printed, as well as firearms and race cars... I think it will be fine if suitable materials are used.

[sradonich]

Hey guys, my name is Steve. Found this website last night and absolutely love the idea of a PPC based laptop as my PowerBook G4 is starting to go out. I have quite a lot of experience with CAD programs and would love to take a whack at it if someone can come up with a design with measurements. At the same time I sit on the Board of Directors for a local maker/hackerspace and we have a 3D printer, I don't use it often but could definitely do some prototyping. There are a few problems I see with this idea however, one being that just printing out some relatively small parts takes several hours so this could take quite a bit to get part of the case and that is assuming one only has to print it once for testing. Second being that while they are cool, in my experience they don't hold up to well if they're being handled rough, I'm sure that could be overcome with a higher quality plastic and better printer.

[robyinno]

If you like to ask how much could cost for case to some professional center with "big" 3D Printers , could be useful.

I'm waiting a quote from http://www.solido3d.it/ , anyway they could print inside a cilinder of 400mm of diameter , that is enough for a 14inch notebook (31,4 cm x 24,5 cm) not for a 15 inch.

There are other solutions like: Vacuum casting ( smooth looking but expensive - around 450 euro only for the notebook case) or thermo forming  (cheaper than Vacoum, less smooth looking , more complex assembling).

Anyway I will update you about the quote for 3D print , if you like search around you for have other quotations.

[robyinno]

3D printers need to have 3D projects and experts that design the notebook chassis, I have found a good 3d model search engine https://www.yobi3d.com/#!/ . You could search 3D models for notebook chassis https://www.yobi3d.com/#!/search?q=notebook

[feeef]

Thanks for the link Roberto!

I think the key for visual success in computers is "sober". Straight sharp lines with sober colours (maximum 2).

Personally, I quite like this 3D model : http://archive3d.net/?a=download&id=a83b6cb5
It has been made out of a powerbook but it is what looks good to me. The chromebook pixel is also very close to this design.

If it is made of plastic I would suggest white or black. I quite like the retro colours as well (beige close to grey / dark keyboard) :
http://www.englyst.eu/wp-content/gallery/new-commodore-64/Commodore64_LW11_00004.jpg

[feeef]

I have made some colour tests based on my previous post

(The beige colour could work very well with the popcorn name and logo if it's the one we chose)

[thebatmankiller]

Nice  ! I like the design of the PowerBook G4. I just want it to not be like a MacBook Pro. Those things suck with design. In my opinion, the black is the best design, but it's just my opinion  .

[argoste]

As a possible source for inspiration/information about chassis construction, I suggest
https://www.youtube.com/user/thebenheckshow
This guy makes custom laptop and gaming consoles.

[Stemby]

http://rhombus-tech.net/community_ideas/laptop_15in/news/

Ugly, but I find the project quite interesting.