Easy To Build Stepper Controller from Recycled Materials

Step 9 Make the Enclosure Part 1

Building an enclosure is the final step. I chose to make mine out of recycled cardboard because it is better for the environment than buying a brand new plastic one. Also, since the driver is built mostly from recycled parts, it makes sense that the enclosure should be made of recycled material too. My circuit board measured about 2 inches by 3 inches, so I decide to make my enclosure 3 inches by 4 inches by 2 inches to make room for the connectors.

Now you need to cut your panels. Cut two rectangles that are 3 inches by 4 inches, 2 rectangles that are 2 inches by 4 inches and two panels that are 3 inches by 2 inches (see pictures). Now you need to cut the holes for the ports and plugs. Trace your parallel port plug on one of the 4x2 inch sides. Cut it out. On the same side, trace your dc barrel connector. Cut that out too.

What you do in this step depends on if you soldered connectors to your motor connection wires. If you did, mount your connectors on the outside of your blank 4x2 inch panel. If you just used wires, poke 5 holes. Now, using hot glue, glue all of the panels together (except the top one, see pictures). I chose to paint mine silver.