sudomod

So after seeing some other projects I was inspired and thought it would be fun to just see if I could design a Gameboy Zero case that could be printed at home. The goal is not to go full blown commercial with this but just simply see if I can get something that would fit the project most of us have been working on with decent quality.

The objective and requirements are:

• * Need Helders and Kites board to fit
  * To be used with the 3.5 BW Screen
  * Be able to be printed at home with a decent quality
  * Not a one to one of the original Gameboy case but close enough to keep the form factor

So after spending an afternoon playing with this, here is what I have so far:
This case is meant to be printed face down to obtain a smooth finish, especially if printed on glass. All edges are chamfered at 45 degrees to maintain 3D printer integrity and quality. The screen cover is designed to be place inside instead of the normal outside. The reason for this is it gives the front a smooth finish without having to use supports on the print. My thinking on the speaker grill is that inside the case a breathable mesh can be inserted inside to conceal the speaker.
Here you can see how the screen cover fits. Its 1mm deep like the original screen cover. It would sit flush and the BW screen will go on top. I also re-enforced the screw post to give strength to the 3D print.

Will give the print a go on my printer when I finish the top half and will update the post with pictures. Still much to go. As the title says, its a work in progress

Looks good.

Looks great! I have been looking for a case like this (without USB/HDMI/headphone jack built in) for my next project. I hope you're planning on sharing the 3D model file!

Update 1/26/17 Lots of pictures!

So I printed a prototype last night just to make sure I was on track.

Here she is cooking!
Almost three hours later here is the result. Not too shabby for a first edition 3D print if I say so myself. Here is the inside Test fitting the silicone pads. All holes line up perfectly. Buttons fit. A little tight on A B X Y and start select buttons. Need to enlarge just a bit to allow tolerance of shrinkage in 3D printer filament. And here is the other side with D-Pad and buttons attached.
Test fitting the speaker. Made it a little larger for tolerance. And as seen through the front. Doesn't look too bad. Can always place a breathable mesh if desired. Case even fits a chinese clone. You can see the white is the clone. Ok. On to some tweaking and hopefully start on the back sometime soon.

Made a rendering of the top shell.
Wish I could figure out a way to get 3D printed quality like this.

Pretty well made, lots of work well done, but i'd prefer a dmg case.. drilling 2 holes and or grind that corner for the lcd.
I like 3d printed stuff but for such a thing you still have to putty it and sand it and paint to finish.
But thumbs up for doing this.

HoolyHoo wrote: Wish I could figure out a way to get 3D printed quality like this.

send it to shapeways. (and prepare for lots of $$$) the use SLS
or use a resin based printer (and prepare for lots of $$$)

but the final method to get a nice finish is with "filler primer" and sanding

are you going to share the STL? I'd like to try and print one.

Very nice!

Although i'm in the opinion that the cost of making this is too high, since you can buy a dmg case for 6~7usd... and just drill 2 holes on it.
But, for playing and practicing with 3d printing and 3d modeling, that a great hobby

correia5022 wrote:Very nice!

Although i'm in the opinion that the cost of making this is too high, since you can buy a dmg case for 6~7usd... and just drill 2 holes on it.
But, for playing and practicing with 3d printing and 3d modeling, that a great hobby

This case is just a proof of concept that a decent, customizable 3D case, can be printed at home. At home means less than $1 in material. I am not making this case for commercial reasons. It's just a fun project to work on my CAD skills. Also I think it's a little more than drilling two holes in the case but I get your point. I have seen some real butchered up cases, especially the screen surround, sheeesh!

abrugsch wrote:

HoolyHoo wrote: Wish I could figure out a way to get 3D printed quality like this.

send it to shapeways. (and prepare for lots of $$$) the use SLS
or use a resin based printer (and prepare for lots of $$$)

but the final method to get a nice finish is with "filler primer" and sanding

are you going to share the STL? I'd like to try and print one.

Nah, don't want to spend a lot of money. It's intended to be printed at home as the title says. Besides, like they say, it's not a defect, it's a feature.

I do plan on releasing stl's once I finish both halves. Just want it to be complete.