Production CATAPULTCASE - Fully Modular ITX Cases (3.2L to 11.6L)

[CatapultCase]

Hello friends! I'm excited to introduce some concept/prototype cases I'm developing and to get involved with the community. The concepts all revolve around a fully modular case ecosystem, where the community can design and share modular upgrades to the cases and style them to your liking. The advent of mainstream 3D printing enabled me to get this far, and I'm excited to see what people can do moving forward. I'm proud to debut https://catapultcase.com

April 2024 Update - The LP4 and LP500 designs are now available digitally, and pre-built in small batches from the website.

Full Range:

Catapult.FLEX The full realization of the Catapult modular concept, the CATAPULT.FLEX offers full compatibility of everything in the Panel Library, with configurations ranging from 3.2L to 5.6L to suit a variety of hardware configurations. SPECIFICATION STATUS: PROTOTYPING Volume: Variable: 3.2L to 5.6L Max CPU cooler height is dependent on chosen volume: 81mm depth: 60mm 84mm depth: 63mm 90mm depth: 70mm PSU support is dependent on chosen volume: HDPLEX 250W / 500W GaN Integrated DC / PICO PSUs GPU support is dependent on chosen volume: 81mm / 84mm depth – APU only 90mm depth – Low Profile GPU* GPU Riser: Not required * Max GPU length dependent on extensions used & chosen volume, but 182mm is supported with default width of 196mm

Catapult.LP4 Nips and tucks to make a 4.0L variant of the Catapult.FLEX design. Perfect fit for the Gigabyte 4060 LP Graphics card and the HDPLEX 250W GaN PSU. SPECIFICATION STATUS: AVAILABLE Volume: 4.0L (241mm x 217mm x 84mm) Max CPU Cooler Height: 63mm PSU Support: HDPLEX 250W GaN or Integrated DC / PICO PSUs GPU Support: Low Profile GPU with max length of 182mm GPU Riser: Not required

Catapult.LP500 The original Catapult design that aimed to deliver an ITX case that was as thin as possible, whilst still offering desktop class hardware and cooling options. At 5.9L, this legacy design set the foundation for the Catapult.FLEX that fully delivers on the modular standards that the LP500 started SPECIFICATION STATUS: AVAILABLE Volume: 5.9L (304mm x 241mm x 81mm) Max CPU Cooler Height: 60mm PSU Support: HDPLEX 250W / 500W GaN or Integrated DC / PICO PSUs GPU Support: Low Profile GPU with max length of 182mm GPU Riser: 15cm ADT-Link R3335W

Catapult.XL STATUS: PROTOTYPING 11.6L (304mm x 199mm x 192mm) Uses 81mm side panel segments CPU Cooler: Approx up to 110mm height GPU: 240mm max length, 4070 Super Founders Edition with "flow through" panels prototyped Riser cable: 20/25cm ADT-Link R3335W or any riser of your choice that matches the mounting points PSU: Designed for SFX and Flex PSU, but includes mounting points for HDPLEX 250 GaN AIO ATX Power Supplies

All of the cases will share the following design features:

Panel Library: 81, 84 and 90mm panel segments to meet the needs of your hardware Multiple styles to suit different functions/styles All panel segments can be 3D-Printed using provided STL/STEP files Optional metal finishing plates in a variety of finishes coming soon

Metal Upgrades

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[CatapultCase]

JANUARY 2024 - Development Log​

• Catapult.XL model designed that targets full-size GPU (such as Founders Edition 4070 Super) and support for Flex PSU
• Catapult.LP model height increased by 11mm to include option of 500W HDPLEX PSU
• First metal prototype (images below) has irregular front panel spacing, fixed in subsequent versions
• Future prototypes will have stainless steel back plate, replacing the GPU/PCI mount gasket design
• Steel & Aluminum frame, PLA and ABS prototype panel segments assembled for prototype below
• Temporary top panel (a duplicate of motherboard tray) is in use with magnetic dust filtration added
• Thumbscrews used are not final design

Spoiler: January 2024 Prototype Photos

 

[CatapultCase]

MARCH 2024 - Development Notes​

Howdy folks, excited to share my new design and early prototypes for feedback – as always, this case can be fully 3D printed, or you can enhance with metal components for stability. This XL design reuses many elements from the Cataplut.LP and Catapult.APU cases, expanding the modular ecosystem. There are 2 primary configurations intended:


Power configuration:

• Supports 240mm length GPU
• Supports SFX Power Supply
• Ample CPU cooler height (Approx 110mm)
• 120mm AIO Support
• 140mm top case fan

Passive configuration:

• Supports Noctua NH-P1 passive CPU cooler
• Supports Passive Palit KalmX 3050 GPU
• HDPLEX 250 GaN Passive PSU
• Optional mounts for dual 140mm case fans

As always, more pictures and full development log at https://catapultcase.com/development-log-1 and I’d love to get feedback!

 

[CatapultCase]

reserving comment for future updates​

 

[CatapultCase]

reserving comment for future updates

 

[CatapultCase]

Added APU design targeting AMD 8000G series

 

[CatapultCase]

JANUARY 2024 Development Log​

• New metal prototype images added to first post!
• Catapult.XL model designed that targets full-size GPU (such as Founders Edition 4070 Super) and support for Flex PSU.
• Catapult.LP model height increased by 11mm to include option of 500W HDPLEX PSU
• First metal prototype has irregular front panel spacing, fixed in subsequent versions
• All future prototypes will have stainless steel back plate, replacing the prior GPU/PCI mount gasket design
• Steel & Aluminum frame, PLA and ABS prototype panel segments assembled for prototype
• Temporary top panel (a duplicate of motherboard tray) is in use with magnetic dust filtration added
• Thumbscrews used are not final design

 

[CatapultCase]

New prototype of the 4.3L APU version, supporting the HDPLEX 250W. Some pics next to the LP version which of course, supports the 500W variant. Had some fun with the multi-color 3D printer too!

 

[CatapultCase]

Dropping some early photos of the new prototypes that arrived today. I'm using some unfinished corner pieces as the next batch of corners are going through post processing (drying!) but was excited to share these as a sneak peek...

I'm really happy with the powder coated aluminum side panels, though this design is too expensive. I've been exploring different designs to keep costs/cuts down, nothing to share yet though. I'm also very happy with the quality of the 3D printed panels - they are made of 3 pieces each; a PETG frame, a PETG inner core to act as a heat shield, and then the top plate is PLA - need to test if they can withstand the temperature without warping. You'll also see some real Brass panels for accents.

 

[CatapultCase]

I'm excited to share that I've completed v1.0 of my Catapult.LP ITX case, and it's now available to download from my website https://store.catapultcase.com

I set out on this project to create a completely 3D Printable ITX case, with the option to upgrade key components to metal for a more refined finish. This first release has been in development for quite a few months and I'm delighted with how it turned out. I do plan to sell metal parts in the near future if there is a demand for it. For now, I look forward to launching the 3D Printable models and I hope folks will experiement with the possible finishes and share them here.

All feedback is appreciated! I have 2 other cases in development, an small 3.9L case, and also a 11.6L "XL" version which I'm having a LOT of fun designing and exploring the possibilities. I post regular updates on my website https://catapultcase.com and love being a part of this community, thank you for all the inspiration and conversation so far!

And an early look at the XL prototype... currently using entirely passive components! (if you exclude the side 140mm fan lol)

 

[CatapultCase]

MARCH 2024 - Development Notes​

Howdy folks, excited to share my new design and early prototypes for feedback – as always, this case can be fully 3D printed, or you can enhance with metal components for stability. This XL design reuses many elements from the Cataplut.LP and Catapult.APU cases, expanding the modular ecosystem. There are 2 primary configurations intended:


Power configuration:

• Supports 240mm length GPU
• Supports SFX Power Supply
• Ample CPU cooler height (Approx 110mm)
• 120mm AIO Support
• 140mm top case fan

Passive configuration:

• Supports Noctua NH-P1 passive CPU cooler
• Supports Passive Palit KalmX 3050 GPU
• HDPLEX 250 GaN Passive PSU
• Optional mounts for dual 140mm case fans

As always, more pictures and full development log at https://catapultcase.com/development-log-1 and I’d love to get feedback!

 

[CatapultCase]

Wanted to join the 4-liter club with my new prototype, Catapult.LP4. Supports low profile GPUs without the need of any risers, and CPU cooler height support is around 65mm. Designed specifically for the HDPLEX 250W Passive PSU. Dimensions are 220mm x 217mm x 84mm. 100% 3D Printable, but key pieces could be produced from sheet metal if desired.

As always, it’s compatible with components from my full range of designs, but this model has unique full cover panels with spaces to insert a mesh/filter of your own choosing. I plan to back-design these covers to the rest of the range also.

This is still an early prototype – there are some blemishes and corrections still needed but would love to hear your thoughts!

 

[chrisR]

Very awesome APU case! Looking forward to buying the 3d prints when it's done!

 

[CatapultCase]

Very awesome APU case! Looking forward to buying the 3d prints when it's done!

Thank you! I actually got my low profile gpu supporting case down to 4.0L so I'm going to have to revisit the APU, currently at 3.9L hah. I feel like in hindsight, I can do better with that 1. I'm aiming to make that LP 4L case available both as a complete case purchase, and available digitally this weekend!

 

[CatapultCase]

LP4 files are now available on my website and at cults3D for purchase!

 

[chrisR]

Bought it! However there's no directions included for assembly. I could really use a basic assembly guide.

 

[CatapultCase]

thanks @chrisR ! I have an in-progress manual for the LP500 here which is similar, but I'll write the instructions for LP4 this week and ping you ASAP - sorry it isn't available already, I was heads down updating the website the past week

 

[CatapultCase]

An early prototype of my next design - Catapult.Nano uses some unusual hardware to pull this off, but the result is a small sub-ITX case (Pico? possibly?) that can be completely self-contained, or used as an eGPU enclosure for another system. Fully 3D Printable and no customizing of components required (yet) - hopefully I can squish all these cables inside when I approach final design!

1 oddity of using the ODROID board - this case now requires 2 power supplies, 1 for the eGPU hardware via the HDPLEX, and the onboard 12v connection for the ODROID. I'm sure it's possible to do some splicing and run them both off the same PSU, but I'm not gonna try that anytime soon hah.

If you don't install the motherboard spine, the HDPLEX can be mounted on the reverse side and this will allow a full height GPU to be installed and the unit will function as an eGPU (connection will depend on the eGPU adapter you choose to use, but this prototype connects via M.2).

Dimensions:

• 223mm length
• 100mm width
• 157mm height
• 3.5L

Key hardware:

• ADT-Link PCIe 4.0 x16 to M.2 NVMe eGPU Adapter
• ODROID-H4 ULTRA (Core™ i3 Processor N305, 4.7x4.7 inch)
• HDPLEX 250W passive GaN AIO
• T-Display S3 AMOLED

I'm also writing my own software to control the OLED display and display system stats. As always, more info on my website https://catapultcase.com/ . Looking forward to feedback.

 

[BaK]

Really digging your cases unique style!
Especially as I played with Makerbeam profiles before, which your case structure reminds me of.

The OLED little display is a great addition, looking forward to seeing what you are going to use it for!

A little question since I'm also designing my own case.

Is the mesh we see here a solid one like a panel?
Or is it the flexible kind that can be bought in a roll?

 

[CatapultCase]

Really digging your cases unique style!
Especially as I played with Makerbeam profiles before, which your case structure reminds me of.

The OLED little display is a great addition, looking forward to seeing what you are going to use it for!

A little question since I'm also designing my own case.

Is the mesh we see here a solid one like a panel?
Or is it the flexible kind that can be bought in a roll?

Thank you for the feedback! here is a preview of the OLED in action using the software I've developed:

For the mesh, I initially purchased this and cut it into the correct size to insert between the pieces of the side panels. This works great, but of course can be fiddly to cut the holes perfectly. I included templates for these in my design files though.

That said, I've recently preferred to 3D print the mesh, using a nifty trick of setting both the top and bottom shell thickness/layers to 0 - this means it only prints a solid perimeter of your chosen wall thickness, and then the selected infill produces a mesh for you - fully customizable! I'll be adding proper instructions on how to do this on my website shortly, as I think it's far superior to purchasing a mesh insert, but of course, having the choice of both is nice too!