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Ionrent
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Time zone differences, quality/process control, and travel burden are no joke.
NFC S4 Mini 3D Printed
- Thread starter George__Sm1th
- Start date
That's true but we are from different parts of the world so we can help each other out. Person with access to cheaper manufacturers could do quality/process control, no need to travel at least at the beginning.
@George__Sm1th:
TL;DR is that @Josh | NFC seems to be OK with using his CAD to make yourself a case for personal use, and he'd prefer you to credit him in your build log. However, he seems to think that 3D printing this case may be more expensive than actually buying one once he gets more stock.
There are other custom 3D printed cases with threads on this site (the LZ7, for example) that might be more in the zone of affordability for you. IIRC, @Thehack also has 3D-printed corner pieces available which you could use to connect panels that you could print on your local printer.
TL;DR is that @Josh | NFC seems to be OK with using his CAD to make yourself a case for personal use, and he'd prefer you to credit him in your build log. However, he seems to think that 3D printing this case may be more expensive than actually buying one once he gets more stock.
There are other custom 3D printed cases with threads on this site (the LZ7, for example) that might be more in the zone of affordability for you. IIRC, @Thehack also has 3D-printed corner pieces available which you could use to connect panels that you could print on your local printer.
Wow... I was not expecting so many replies. This is my first thread and I have looked more into this and realised I don't think it us worth it. I would have loved to do this project but my local 3d printer, despite being massive, charges a huge premium and when I brought it up to them they said it would cost at least £150! Instead I was looking at doing some mods to the Logic Supply MC600 (Which was recommended here) and then I saw the MC500 which would be awesome to mod. I want to make it so the side of the case has a PCI-E extender that allows me to hook up a custom built external GPU case. However there are no reviews that I can find on the MC500. I know that the case is mainly for businesses but I would have thought that people would have found this case. Anybody here know anything about it? Might start a new thread about it as this is not really relevant to my original thread. Thanks
Darek from Logic Supply is a member here (@DarekLogic), so if you have questions, that's where I'd start.
£150 for a fully 3d printed case the same size as the S4 is actually really cheap!
Hey George, I replied via PM but thought this info might be useful here. I asked our Engineer Hans (who designed the MC500 and MC600) about this and here's what he had to say:
The case is super small for cramming in a CPU cooler and GPU. In general I'd say don't do it because you're likely to be underwhelmed.
If someone wants to get real crazy, they could theoretically make a low end gaming rig.. You could get a sub-45W CPU and low profile cooler in there, paired with a single slot + half depth GPU. To do that you'd need a DIY backplate, and yes - probably to cut some holes in the lid. The issue with this is that its going to be underpowered, pretty loud, and a bastard to cable manage.
More people have heard of the 600 because its just large enough to support 65W CPU's and double slot GPU's - you can actually game on that hardware, compared to what I described above which is going to perform like a mediocre laptop.
-H
Thanks for the mention, I appreciate it.
Actually i can't find CAD file. Only sketchup. i want to build one S4 mini for myself.
Can someone point out where i can find the CAD file?
Here in Ukraine we have cheaper prices for laser\CNC than in US
i think the whole price for S4 mini (without button and pci-e rizer) will be smaller than 100$
but we will see... i just need accurate 3D model to know the exact price
@i4mshepard Open the Sketchup model in Sketchup and export a CAD file of your preference.
Considering the cost of the bezel would you consider making an S4 Mini "lite" or similar which just has a less expensive bezel (thinner, less machined, different alloy) for the market of people who want cheaper minis? It would also make the product lighter which for some people could be a bonus
It's a great idea, especially with how many people order my aftermarket bezels, but it requires 100% commitment to dropping the wrap-around from all MINIs. I need to hit MOQs for the sake of the bezel, so it is all or nothing. I might have mentioned that before so I apologize for bringing it up again.
Peace
@Josh | NFC, much respect and thank you for a very educational post. I've always wondered how these indie cases work at these low quantities, with all the prototyping costs etc.
On the other hand, I can't help to notice the $60 wrap around bezel too, in which I too seconded the replies above, it could be made cheaper. I mean, take an example of your 1080 mini build for cubanLegend, you ended up with thick one part acrylic bezel which I think looks superb anyway. Can't it just be factory stamped?
By the way please start the next run.. please. I beg you.
On the other hand, I can't help to notice the $60 wrap around bezel too, in which I too seconded the replies above, it could be made cheaper. I mean, take an example of your 1080 mini build for cubanLegend, you ended up with thick one part acrylic bezel which I think looks superb anyway. Can't it just be factory stamped?
By the way please start the next run.. please. I beg you.
I did PM @Josh | NFC but I figured I'd share this potential solution with you all too.
Simple, strong, customizable, laser-cuttable. I know the cost of that doesn't scale well, but it's neat and potentially cheaper assuming it isn't being mass produced
Simple, strong, customizable, laser-cuttable. I know the cost of that doesn't scale well, but it's neat and potentially cheaper assuming it isn't being mass produced
I saw the exact same thing browsing the web yesterday!
That's certainly possible
Another option that is more premium is steam wood bending.
Another option that is more premium is steam wood bending.
That's certainly possible
Another option that is more premium is steam wood bending.
ooh which case is that?
kinda loving the idea of a completely living-hinge case that ships as flat as an ikea cupboard (on a separate note)
It's a case I've made as an inbetween project. On occasion I've been working on it but there's a slight lack of motivation in getting it going properly again.
Late to the party but...
Make a Patreon page and be like "plz hlp me buy more S4 Minis so i can lower prices more plz..."
This may go against your ethos of "Not From Concentrate," but a laser-cut but still high-quality "budget" version of the S4 Mini could help you with profit margins. Lazer3D sells their cases (unassembled) for around 150 Euros and their cases are 3D printed and laser cut, which I imagine is fairly cheap. Just a suggestion.
You should ask people who order on April Fool's day to drive to you to pick up for kicks
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