3D Printed Modular Support (Case) for Arduino and Raspberry Pi - CustoBlocks

When building electronic projects it is important to protect components against moving. This way they cannot slide and touch each other causing a short circuit or even damage.
I have seen many cases, some dishes and other housings but what if our project consists more than one breadboard or more electronic boards? In such a case we need something modular, something that you can extend.

In this Instructable I will show you my solution to this problem. CustoBlocks are modular supports for Arduino and Raspberry Pi. They allows keep the project safe and tidy, and are easy to extend.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

There are 2 ways to print the CustoBlocks. First, is printing it yourself and another is to use "Print with 3D Hubs" button in the part's file window to print it locally, just click it and check how it works.

If you are going to print it yourself, I assume that you have properly configured 3D printer and you know how to use it. In addition to this we will need 3D printing filament: PLA, ABS or PTEG. PLA is good choice, it is easy to use and environmental-friendly.

Filament usage:

• 5.5m for each single block
• 11m for each double block

Bolts for connecting each block to another:

• 2x M2 Allen Bolt 10mm Length
• 2x M2 Washer
• 2x M2 Nut

Bolts for fitting electronic boards for each board:

• 4x No 2 Self Taping Pozi Screw 6mm Length
• 4x M2 Washer - nylon washer will be best for boards

Tools:

• Phillips Screwdriver PH 1 or Pozi Screwdriver PZ1
• Allen Key Size 1.5mm

Step 2: 3D Printing

I am using Repetier-Host software for 3D printing and Slic3r for slicing 3D objects. I have provided my Slic3r settings on the pictures above, this is a ‘safe’ configuration tested on Leapfrog Creatr and Prusa i3 printers. You might need different setting for your printer but these are good to start with.

Step 3: Assembly

When you got the blocks printed it is time to connect it all together:

• Arrange blocks depending on your needs and screw it up using M2 bolt, washer and nut
• Put the microcontroller board on the correct block and screw it up using No 2 Self Taping Pozi Screw
• Remove protective paper from sticker on bottom of the breadboard and put the breadboard on the correct block

Step 4: Future Ideas

You can connect other things to CustoBlocks.

See my robot project - the example on the use of CustoBlocks.

Think about what else we can put on CustoBlocks and write it in comment. I will consider this when designing another blocks.