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Making Casings for Prototype Electronic Devices?

Posted by Cliff on from the product-demos-done-on-the-cheap dept.

kiddailey asks: "I'm working on a project for self-enrichment that involves creating a working prototype of an electronic device. I've made a model of the basic shape of the device out of Sculpey (tm) and want to use it as a mold to make the actual plastic housing that I can then insert the electronics into. Has anyone done something like this before? Is there any way to achieve this without a significant R&D buget?"

2 of 22 comments (clear)

  1. 3d printing? by Bazzargh · · Score: 4, Interesting

    You could send your design as a cad file to Toybuilders and they'll 3d print you one.

    However as you've already made your model you'll want it scanned. There are companies that will do this for you too - though they dont quote prices like Toybuilders do, so I guess it'll be expensive.

    I noticed from Neco's page that a Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing exhibition is taking place in Cincinatti on Tuesday (29th April) until May 2. If you get the list of exhibitors I am sure someone will be able to help.

    Cheers,
    Baz

  2. Check out Lindsay's books by bluGill · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Check out Lindsay books. Make sure you get a dead tree catalog, not all their books are online. They have books on how to do a lot of cool things that you can apply. Glass, sheet metal, poured metal, pottery, Plastic (injection or vacuum) molding. All on a dot it yourself from scraps. Most of their books are from the early 1900's, so they are obsolete compared to modern mythods, but still useful. Note that you would have to be crazy to do some of what they will tell you how to do. It would still be fun to do it though.

    Yahoo has a group of Hobbicast If you are interested in metal casting (my personal interest). I'm sure there are other groups for those interested in other materials.

    Have fun!