Introduction: DODO Case Instructables Night CC Makerspace 3D Printed Faceplate

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This idea came about because I disagreed with several parts of the cardboard faceplate. When we took our example Google Cardboard to RVA Makerfest, we had over 300 people look through them into a different world. However 300 people had their faces all on the same spot. I wanted something that could be easily cleaned, and cardboard, obviously, can't get wet. The other major issue I had with the standard faceplate was that the lenses are held in with a sticker. There are multiple issues with this. The first is that if you misplace the sticker during assembly you cannot peel it off and realign it. Second, our lenses got fingerprints and smudges on them so we had to clean them. Taking the lenses off and on multiple times reduced the tackiness of the sticker, in addition the sticker leaves residue on the edges of the lens. My project was to create a faceplate that held the lenses in without stickers, and that was easy to clean. In addition, it also allowed to me add a nosepad that was built into the faceplate.

Step 1: Slice and Print 3D Parts

Download all the attached .stl files. You will need to print both lens_holder_holes and lens_holder_peg twice. You can set up your slicer with all the parts like I have shown, or print them separately.

Fill 20%, Extruder Temp: 230C, Extrusion Speed: 90mm/s,
Travel Speed: 150 mm/s, Number of Shells: 2, Layer Height: 0.3mm

Rafts and support material are not necessary.

If you've viewed our other Instructable for making a nose pad, and you have made one, you will want to use the file called lens_holder_gc. This is the vanilla faceplate, and it does not have a built in nosepad.

If you haven't printed out a separate nosepad, then you can use the file called gc_lens_pad. This one has a built in nosepad. It's featured in the attached picture.

Print all the parts you're going to use, then move to Step 2.

Attachments

Step 2: Cleaning Up Parts

When you've reached this step, you should have two sets of lens holders and one version of the faceplate printed out. At this point, test fit your lenses in the faceplate. They probably won't fit. Don't panic. The holes in the plate are not exact circles because of the way .stl files are created. In addition, I Ieft them a tiny bit smaller to compensate for different tolerances in printers. Use a rasp, sandpaper, file etc to smooth out the holes until the lenses fit snugly.

Step 3: Assembly

Place the lenses in the proper orientation (make sure they both face the same direction) in the holes in the faceplate.

Use the lens holders to secure the lenses in place. Place the lens holder with pegs into the guide holes around the lens openings. Use the lens holder with the holes in it to attach on the other side. The picture shows what you should have after assembly (ours does not have lenses in it because the only set we have are currently already in a set of different goggles). We used hot glue to hold the lens holders together. Be careful not to get adhesive on the lenses. At this point your faceplate should be complete. Plug it back into the rest of your cardboard frame and step out from reality for a while.