DIY Plexi Glass case ... just have a question before we get started ...

[1031.nu]

I’m designing a whole new plexi glass case, it will have a bunch of features which will appeal to the water cooling guys (including my self). I will not personally be constructing this case, I’m working with my business partner, and I am simply the designer. I was curious if there are any custom case builders around here who know of any where I can get templates for screw hole positions for things like hard drives, mother boards, power supplies and the 5 inch bays. Also I was wondering if any companies produce motherboard trays and drive cages to sell for people building custom cases. These items would make my partners job easier, and in the end hopefully come out with a cleaner product.

[Levish]

I think I would just cut apart a case that has the features you want and make your own templates off that

[n00b 0f l337]

Make it convetible. Like all the drive cages are removeable, that would be nice, so if you only needed 1 hd bay you'd leave one 1 hd bay in. Also, put 3x 120mm fans on the bottom. Everyone likes that. Otherwise I've built cases and I use actual parts for templates. Like I pop down my mobo on the acryllic and sketch it and its holes... DIY cases are a lot of work.

[1031.nu]

I dont want to just pull a case apart, im using for a type of template because we are looking to maybe producing a few of these if its possible for him to build a couple of these.

Noob, I dont know if we are going to have removable cages and such, we stil have alot of plannin left and for the first prototype case im not too sure if we should focus on that, but its a good idea. We'll see how it goes. Im gonna plan for about a week, then go from there and see where it takes my partner and I. if any one has suggestions please post them here. If this becomes something people like to see, we may be able to produce a few of them. Again, we are aiming to build a water cooling ready case ... but that is just one option of many we are think about.

[bartsimsonii]

I would suggest buying a cheap premade acrylic case and base yours off that.

[1031.nu]

This is a new product, I plan on makin a whole new case design .. hopefully unlike anything else around. Using an already made case will give me ideas that already exsit. Yea its a base, but in order to make a whole new product you need a whole new base as well.

[n00b 0f l337]

But really, 3x120mm in bottom would be great with at least 3" above it.

[Navig]

To be honest, it's easy enough to make templates from the actual components, some cardboard or even better the actual plastic sheet, and a permanent marker. That's what I do.

If you want official numbers, head to formfactors.org.

For good advice and faqs on plastic, check out captain slug at the ocforums, and linear1 case mods.

navig

[1031.nu]

But really, 3x120mm in bottom would be great with at least 3" above it.

Depending on how I lay it out, I may be able to do that ...

[bartsimsonii]

If you want it to be totally original I would just draw anything that comes to my mind. Or if your making it for yourself I would advise you to think of features you would like in a case. I personally am going to make a phase change cooling system so I would make holes for the evaporator to go in.

[Necromonger]

1031.nu, you might want to call or email Frank the owner of “ClearPC” about the different templates you’re looking for, he might be able to possibly help you!

I have also designed my own custom water-cooled “Acrylic” cases, I sent him my blueprints and Frank cut out all the pieces using a laser, which I could never achieve that precision of a cut doing it my self, I have tried achieving a precision cut using many different methods, but nothing compares to a laser cut.

He also glued and assembled it for me, that is another art form, gluing takes a lot of practice to get every air bubble out the seams, not to mention glue oozing out of the seams dripping on your new sheets of “Acrylic”, that will really ruin your day fast.

Frank’s company did an unbelievable job on all of my “Acrylic” cases. All of my cases have removable MB trays and removable drive cages made out of “Acrylic”, so I am sure he can set you up with what you need.

Here is a pic of one of my older “Acrylic” cases; I haven’t taken any pics yet of my new “Acrylic” case that I am currently modding, I hope to take a few pics real soon though:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=28173

Pic of the “Acrylic” Removable Drive Cage:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38718&stc=1
If you need any additional info you can send me a PM.

“ClearPC” link, phone number and email:

http://www.clearpc.ca/

Frank G., (T): 1-250-721-3444 | (E): info@clearpc.ca