Two Part Raspberry Pi Case

As I'm sure many of you know the Raspberry Pi launched a few weeks ago (www.raspberrypi.org). As the initial units will ship without a case I decided to make one.

The case was modelled using Pro Engineer CAD software and then rapid prototyped by a company in the UK (more about that later).

One disclaimer before we start - I'm currently on the huge waiting list to get a raspberry pi so this case has been designed around the official dimensions for the device. Until I get my hands on one of the units I'm unable to guarantee it will actually fit.

Remove these ads by Signing Up

Step 1: What is the Raspberry Pi?

"The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It’s a capable little PC which can be used for many of the things that your desktop PC does, like spreadsheets, word-processing and games. It also plays high-definition video. We want to see it being used by kids all over the world to learn programming."

- source - The Raspberry Pi Foundation - www.raspberrypi.org/faqs

rossturner says: May 13, 2012. 1:59 AM

The case does not fit because of the sound port, everything else is spot on had to cut round it to make it fit. really cool case thou, but going to work on the sound port issue and repost with STL File

joe.palmer (author) in reply to rossturnerMay 14, 2012. 4:13 AM

Hi,

Is there any chance you could send me a few photos of the incompatability with the sound port? I'll try and get an updated CAD model out soon.

I'm still on the never ending waiting list in the UK for my raspberry pi - so I'm unable to verify anything.

rossturner in reply to joe.palmerMay 14, 2012. 5:35 AM

Hi Joe,

As you can see the audio port hole was too far left.... everything else was spot on.

i sent you a private message via instructables, if you could convert your original file into a IGES, STEP, or Parasolid. ( i use solid works)

I could do the fix and send it back for you. 100% guaranteed fit.

Cheers

Ross

kivid in reply to rossturnerJun 5, 2012. 3:04 PM

Hi Ross,
Did you ever get the model updated/fixed? I'd be interested in them, if you got them corrected, assuming Joe doesn't mind.

Thanks,
Gregg

joe.palmer (author) in reply to rossturnerMay 14, 2012. 6:22 AM

Thanks Ross,

I've just sent you an email. Would you be able to measure the centre distance between the audio and video port? and the width of the SD card reader. I'll need to fix both these issues for version 2.0

wflynn says: May 11, 2012. 11:16 AM

Any chance you could supply the 123d files? I have an RPi and can check it out. Plus I have a few ideas for it.

joe.palmer (author) in reply to wflynnMay 14, 2012. 4:15 AM

The models weren't created in 123d they are just hosted there - What CAD file formats can you work with? I'll do my best to send you something

static says: Apr 4, 2012. 12:00 AM

Respectfully the case appears to be lacking anything in the way of RFI suppression On the supplied files it would be nice to be able to look at them without needing to create one more account on the web

joe.palmer (author) in reply to staticMay 14, 2012. 4:14 AM

stl files can be downloaded on step 2 of the instructable.

rossturner says: May 11, 2012. 7:13 AM

Hi Joe,

Just printed off the bottom part looks pretty awesome

MR.Geo says: Mar 29, 2012. 9:05 AM

If I were to make this project I would have used small screws because it makes the box easier to get into whilst still being secure. Why did you opt for pins as opposed to any other fixing method?

joe.palmer (author) in reply to MR.GeoMar 30, 2012. 3:00 AM

Screws would either involve using wood type screws which cut their own thread as they enter the material or using a tap to cut a thread or using a nut a bolt arrangement. I wasn't confident that any thread in the 3d printed material would last very long and using a nut and bolt would be quite awkward.

Besides the raspberry pi was made for hacking :) so I think the lid will be getting removed and replaced quite often, constantly removing screws would get very annoying very quickly.

If anyone has a different idea for the fixing mechanism I might implement this in case 2.0

willrandship in reply to joe.palmerApr 1, 2012. 5:19 PM

Nuts and bolts can be made far less akward by having a hex-shaped slot the nut fits in. That way there's no need for a wrench or some holding method while screwing it in.

willrandship says: Apr 1, 2012. 5:17 PM

It looks like you rendered the model with the beta SD card connector, but keep in mind production models won't have the metal sticking out of the board, or at least nowhere near as far.

mattthegamer463 says: Mar 29, 2012. 8:21 AM

Hey, great job on this!

I want to make one but I'm wondering, where did you find the dimensions and locations of connectors on the board? I scoured the internet and couldn't find any when I was planning on doing my own case in rapid proto, I was just going to wait for more documentation or my board itself. I may lose access to the RP machine before I get my raspberry pi so I need to print the case before I'll have it in-hand from Newark.

Just wondering where you got the dimensions. Great job.

joe.palmer (author) in reply to mattthegamer463Mar 30, 2012. 3:20 AM

I found a STEP model of the Raspberry Pi posted by someone on the raspberry pi official discussion forum. I then checked the dimensions of the CAD model against all the official documentation I could find.

I'm reluctant to post the files here as the CAD of the raspberry pi is not my work. Once I find the the discussion post I'll share the link here.

MrRedwood says: Mar 29, 2012. 3:03 PM

Can you add a photo showing scale? Perhaps the case held in someone's hand, or next to a common object? A bowl of raspberries would be great, but it's a bit out of season.

joe.palmer (author) in reply to MrRedwoodMar 30, 2012. 2:54 AM

I'll add that in version 2.0 - watch this space

leprasmurf says: Mar 29, 2012. 10:56 AM

You should post this on Kickstarter and start selling them. I don't have access to a 3d printer, for example, so I wouldn't be able to do this. I would pay for a case like this though.

joe.palmer (author) in reply to leprasmurfMar 30, 2012. 2:53 AM

I'll make you a deal - If I win one of the 3d printers in the "Make it Real" contest I'll start selling the cases at cost price :)

The Cartographer says: Mar 29, 2012. 1:21 PM

I'm happy with your case to, and voted. When/where are these going to be for sale?

phmanzano says: Mar 29, 2012. 7:37 AM

My Pi's delivery is estimated for week 32 (because I'm in Europe I guess). I just have enough time to make this case with my theeth in a block of something :-)

Just go to Farnell.com website to order it. You pay then you wait with us in the line.

Dream Dragon says: Mar 28, 2012. 7:54 AM

That is a very nice looking piece, and really interesting project. Thanks for sharing it and I do hope you receive your board soon so that we can all see how things work out.

I like the idea of having a removable or swappable log area the would leave some good options for customization.

Nicola Tesla says: Mar 27, 2012. 2:32 PM

I saw the raspberry pi a few months ago.... So over all how well does it work?
P.S. thats a very nice case! I was always wonder what i would case one in if i bought one...

joe.palmer (author) in reply to Nicola TeslaMar 28, 2012. 1:17 AM

I've not got my raspberry pi yet - I'm still on the never ending waiting list. I'll update the instructable when I have a board and I can test fit it in the case.

crackHacker says: Mar 27, 2012. 3:40 PM

everywhere i look these are not for sale and i so want a Pi. this case is quite pretty. maybe put in the for sale area and give chances to get different top designs.

joe.palmer (author) in reply to crackHackerMar 28, 2012. 1:15 AM

The 'Pi's' have been delayed for a while now - some sort of manufacturing problem. My original design had a removable 'Pi logo' section (so different top logos could be made) I'll probably look at going back to this for version 2.0.

I might consider putting this in the 'for sale' area once I have a board and I know it fits in the case properly - thanks for the suggestion.