CAD for designing computer cases?

[Hennels]

Hey all.
I am in the initial stages of designing a custom built computer case. I have made a few sketchs on paper and now wish to move on to the next step.

What program do you find to be relatively easy yet highly effective in designing things such as computer cases?

Thanks
Henry

[Hennels]

I have it, but how accurate is it?

[Hennels]

Are there any good guides, as I am not the best at using ( completely new)

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

I dont like using google sketchup but I guess thats because I'm spoiled with solidworks 8 and UGS NX5 from RPI

[Hennels]

Thanks so far. I have been going though it and i am finding it extremely frustrating. :shrug:

Also just a quick one : when getting parts laser cut, what type of format does it have to be in? like how is it inserted into the machine?

THnaks
Henry

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

Thanks so far. I have been going though it and i am finding it extremely frustrating. :shrug:

Also just a quick one : when getting parts laser cut, what type of format does it have to be in? like how is it inserted into the machine?

THnaks
Henry

laser cut drawing need to be in .dxf fomat, that is the satdard for 2d cutting finals. If you are cutting steel you should find a laser but for aluminum you need a waterjet cutter. waterjet is fairly cheap for materials and time is cheap as well (IIRC)

[Hennels]

Thanks sniipe_dog.

I live in a relatively small city of 25,000. what do you think the chances of waterjet cutting is there?

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

Thanks sniipe_dog.

I live in a relatively small city of 25,000. what do you think the chances of waterjet cutting is there?

probably not, waterjet is a fairly simple machine, I think if you look at google for a machine shop in australia then you could call and ask them about finding a waterjet cutter :up:

[MidgetMariachi]

What are you planning on doing??

Midget Mariachi http://www.image-jump.com/img/5cce8dede893813f879b873962fb669f.gif

[Hennels]

What are you planning on doing??

Midget Mariachi http://www.image-jump.com/img/5cce8dede893813f879b873962fb669f.gif

Well seeing Mountain Mods cases cost around $400 pp, that equals around $800 AU.

Im hoping to get one built for under $280, and see also if there is anyone down here who wants one.

Of course it wont be an exact replica , I will be adding some of my own adjustments.

[m^2]

http://www.protocasedesigner.com/

[Hennels]

http://www.protocasedesigner.com/

Thanks m^2, looks like a good program. DL now :up:

[Serpentarius]

normally, averagely ... how much man-hours need to design a case? ideal cases

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

normally, averagely ... how much man-hours need to design a case? ideal cases

in my programs its probably about 20-40 hours for a finalized complex design

[Hennels]

The design isnt overall complex. 6 sides with folded edges and cut out things.

[OggeOJ]

I am using Solidworks, also known as AutoCAD, since its the only thing we use in school. Works like a charm and not too hard to learn.

Also, we get it free :)

[Hennels]

Yeh from what I have heard Solidworks is basically the best.

I might have to look into it :hehe:

[Bobsama]

AutoDesk AutoCAD is what I use. I've used from 07 to 09. Anyways--if you're a student, you can get a $100 license for Solidworks from JourneyEd (http://journeyed.com/home.asp).

[Serpentarius]

in my programs its probably about 20-40 hours for a finalized complex design

wow that's ..................................... really long :eek:

it's almost the time for completing a RPG game .........

how can you stand working that long? i cant continue the same thing after 8hrs .. even if i continue it next day

what makes your work that long? passion?

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

wow that's ..................................... really long :eek:

it's almost the time for completing a RPG game .........

how can you stand working that long? i cant continue the same thing after 8hrs .. even if i continue it next day

what makes your work that long? passion?

well I estimated there but it could be shorter, its all about how much your modeling and what shapes you are working with. Give me a dimensioned engineering sketch of any complexity and I can model it to spec in ~3 hours, but designing a case is at least ten times that as you revise, change and work with difficult things.

[Hennels]

AutoDesk AutoCAD is what I use. I've used from 07 to 09. Anyways--if you're a student, you can get a $100 license for Solidworks from JourneyEd (http://journeyed.com/home.asp).

I have autocad on my computer. Just need to learn how to use it.

This case isnt going to take 20-40hrs i estimate 8hrs

[Bobsama]

I think he meant total--including all the research and comparing various ideas, redrawing to see different ideas, &c. If you ever find a central database with EVERYTHING computer, I'd be happy to bookmark it. I have been looking at designing some pots--but I don't know the specific spacing. That means that I can't design a holder easily.

[Hennels]

I think he meant total--including all the research and comparing various ideas, redrawing to see different ideas, &c. If you ever find a central database with EVERYTHING computer, I'd be happy to bookmark it. I have been looking at designing some pots--but I don't know the specific spacing. That means that I can't design a holder easily.

That database would be ever so helpful. We should make one :up:

Also going away for a week so I wont be on till next sunday

[HuffPCair]

Yeah go google sketchup i am learning it right now and loving it so far.