Clamshell Case Requests!

Howdy, wonderful people!

Custom clamshell case requests are open! :D

You'd think I would already have all the boxes I need, right? :P  I have a vague list of things to create cases for, especially things like screwdriver bits and small tools that currently rattle around in the bottom of drawers.  However, I'll gladly procrastinate from measuring such things up and take requests for new clamshell case models! 

First, what are the Clamshell Cases?

The Clamshell Cases are the name I've given these specific boxes, since there will undoubtedly be other different box styles in future.  They have:

* A lid and base that are the same depth

* A hinge (optionally)

* Dividers that go all the way across (optionally), and are chopped at 45 degrees to avoid problems with hinging.

* Screw closures (optionally) 

* the base has an internal lip that fits into the lid for a good, secure fit.

How do I request a specific size/configuration?

I'm glad you asked!  First thing, you'll need to come up with some numbers.  All measurements are in millimetres.

Let's start with the basic *interior* dimensions:

A) Internal height

B) Internal width

C) Internal length

Next, any dividers.  These are entirely optional - the box can just be empty.

D) Length dividers - a list of distances from the hinge wall that determine where the centres of the dividers lie.  Don't forget that the dividers have a width, which will take up space, so allow for that in the overall internal dimensions.

E) Width dividers - as per D, but running left to right, where the hinge side is the back.

F) Divider width.  This will occupy space, so allow for it in the internal dimensions and the divider positions.

G) Extra divider height.  How far above the midplane should the dividers in the base rise.  This is what gives the lid dividers that inset appearance.

And a few more things (all optional if you want to just stick to defaults):

H) Should there be a hinge?  True or false!  Default is that there's a hinge.

I) Wall width, which seems to have lost its caption on this diagram, and I'm on the wrong computer to fix that right now :P  It's the thickness of both the walls and the top and base.  Basically, the outer dimensions of the box (not including hinge or closures) is equal to the inner dimensions plus twice the thickness.  Default is 5mm

J) Closure positions.  Can be on any of the four sides (but not on the back if there's a hinge).    Either a list of positions from the left or front, or just a list of sides on which to have a closure at the midpoint.  Default is 2mm wide and high.

K) Closure type.  At the moment, that's just a case of whether to put the extra blocks on either side of the screw part, like on the webcam case at the top of this post - obviously this is only possible where there's enough room.

And importantly:

K) Purpose!  This is mostly because I'll put these all up for everyone to access, so being able to see what's already been created and for what purpose will be useful!  If there isn't a more specific purpose it'll just go up as a "utility case" :)

Process

1. Make a list of measurements as above.  Important note - if it's not in the configuration list outlined above then the box can't have it (yet).  Read the thoughts below on future enhancements to understand why! :) 

2. Email the measurements to me at clockspring3d@gmail.com.  Obviously you can get me on discord or on here, too, but emails are easy to treat as a to-do list :)

3. I'm not sure about timeframes yet, but eventually I'll upload the model to dropbox in a folder under 801 Clamshell Cases, and let you know what the folder name is.  Note that while I'll sanity check the design I won't be test printing!

4. If you take photos of the results, I'll put those in the folder with the model!

Some Examples!

You'll find the Logitech C922 Webcam case from the picture at the top, along with the example 45x45x30 utility case (the one used in the diagrams above) on dropbox under 801 Clamshell Cases  (dropbox post: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dropbox-and-are-31697592 ) .

The Future!

I really have no idea how this particular endeavour will go!  If there are enough interesting designs that might have broad appeal I can post up a summary periodically, but either way they'll be there in the 801 Clamshell Cases directory anyway, so you can always go check :)

There are a few enhancements I'd already like to make:

* Asymmetric boxes - i.e. ones where the lid is just a thin lid.  This will probably need a different closure mechanism (or the lid will need to be deep enough to handle the existing one).

* Support for creating clamshell electronics board cases!  This mostly needs configuration of port holes in the sides.

* Different closure mechanisms - friction-fit closures could be more practical if they were neatly parameterised and could be created in lots of different versions to accommodate a range of printers!

* Decorated tops and bottoms, as well as other features for sides.  So, grooves, hex grids, etc.

* Partial-width dividers, for more flexibility in configuring the insides.

The main plan, though, is to be able to apply any or all of these later changes to designs I put together with the current setup.  So, let's say I build up a case now for a Logitech C922 Webcam.  And let's say next month I add a facility to add hexagonal holes in the outside walls, and I want my webcam case to have that.  

Well, I will be able to just load up the original configuration, set it to use the new fancy hex hole feature, and out will pop a fancy updated design!  You get the idea.  This is also why requests can't have features that aren't yet supported by the process - having to do anything manual to the model will make it impossible to rework with different parameters.

Okay, I'll stop writing now, but please to let me know if you have questions, thoughts, or just wake up from dreams about hinges and overhangs like I do :P

xoxo

Sven.