3D printable case for Frankdenso

[chevydan6]

Im interested in designing and making a 3d printable case for the frankdenso but I need some dimensions of the board to work off. Im not an electrical engineer or programmer but I want to help in my own way

[AndreyB]

Hello and welcome!

You would need KiCad - http://iut-tice.ujf-grenoble.fr/cao/KiCad_stable-2013.07.07-BZR4022_Win_full_version.exe - so that you can open https://svn.code.sf.net/p/rusefi/code/trunk/hardware/frankenso/frankenso.kicad_pcb file

This file is also plain text and it has all the coordinates, but KiCad would probably be better

[kb1gtt]

I seem to recall KICAD can generate a DXF, which many 3D programs can import and use as a starting point. I seem to recall KICAD's 3D export is quote poor, but perhaps that has been fixed with newer versions of KICAD. I'm kind of stuck using the older version as I haven't learned how to use the new libraries. However you can open the older files in the newer version, then perhaps you'll have better 3D export options.

[chevydan6]

Ok Im trying here LOL. Tried to export the board as a VRML and Kicad said there were errors in model. When I take the .WRL that kicad does make and import it into Meshlab its the board cut in half just not quite right. Not sure if there are errors in the board design that keep me from getting a uncorrupted VRML file or its on my end and my newbness with Kicad.

[kb1gtt]

Do you have a picture of it when it is messed up?

I understand VRML is a shell, not a solid so I would expect you to have problems slicing it. I'm expecting you'll have to DXF then extrude to get a solid that can be sliced.

Also it might be worth considering making a 3D printed mold, that can allow other materials to be cast. Just a thought. Also worth noting, once you get something working, there are some hot spots that we should consider inserting some aluminium or copper blocks into such that we can get heat out of it. Also worth noting, I have access to some tools that allow me to do 3D FEM thermal analysis. I might try CAELinux again, but I also have access to a commercial software package through my work.

[chevydan6]

Its ok if its not solid, Im not slicing the VRML file to print it, I just need the VRML file so I can use meshlab to convert it to .STL or at least thats the plan.