GHF51-Case

This is a 3D-printable case for the GHF51 single-board computer.

 

Design Files

The parts were designed with FreeCAD 0.19.22522

Printing

The case was designed to be printed with an FFF/FDM printer with a 0.4mm-Ø nozzle at 0.1mm layer height.

The GHF51 heatsink can reach 70-80°C, which is beyond the thermal resistance of typical FFF 3D-printing plastics like PLA. I printed the case with Extrudr Greentec Pro filament, which according to the manufacturer has a higher heat resistance. If it doesn't hold up to the temperatures, I'll write an update here.

I printed at 220°C/60°C nozzle/bed temperature.

Unless you've got an amazing(ly well configured) printer, expect to do some part cleanup, due to stringing/oozing and the somewhat intricate geometry.

Slicing

I used Cura for this.

Main piece (Case-1)

• Print with support for the power socket and ethernet openings.

• HDMI, USB, and lightguide openings and the holes for the threaded inserts don't need support; use the support blocking feature for that (Cura).

Side pieces (Case-2 and Case-3)

• Printing the two side pieces at a 45°-angle on an edge results in a nicer surface finish and easier support removal. The fins end up a bit more fragile this way, compared to printing flat/face-up.

• I had good results with tree-supports and brim.

• Make sure to set the seam orientation to the back of the part. Otherwise the fins won't turn out as nicely.

Components

You'll need the following additional components:

• Barrel connector plug: Any outer-Ø 5.5mm, inner-Ø 2.1/2.5mm, length 9.5mm barrel plug should work. I used a BKL 072111

• Barrel connector socket: CLIFF FCR681465. There are other brands with the same dimensions that should work

• 6x M2.5x4x3.6mm threaded inserts. If your inserts have different dimensions you might have to adapt the model dimensions accordingly.

• 2x M2.5x5mm pan head screws

• some wire, solder, glue

Assembly

• use a soldering iron to insert the 6x threaded inserts into Case-1

• squeeze some (semi)transparent glue (e.g. hot glue) into the channel above the power socket to form a light guide

• solder barrel plug to power supply

• break off the pin on the side of the socket to make it fit into the printed part

• solder ~35mm long pieces of wire to the socket pins

• push socket into the corresponding recess

• connect socket/wires to the screw terminal block on the board

• screw board+heatsink to the case with the included 4x M2.5x14mm screws

• screw side pieces (Case-2 and Case-3) to the case with 2x M2.5x5mm screws

• done!

 

If you made one, let me know! :-)