Beamcase Mesh Filter Case Panels

Beamcase Mesh Filter Case Panels

This is a set of alternative case panels for the Beamcase platform to avoid using multiple separate case panels attached by screws.

The panels assume you are bringing your own filter media - I've been using PVC pc case mesh which is cheap and readily available on Amazon or AliExpress (links chosen at random - you may want a different hole diameter, etc.)

If you are printing panels for Beamcase ATX, you need to have a single continuous piece of filter medium that is at least 33x35cm. Many retailers sell 50cm wide rolls of PVC case mesh, but another common size is 40x30cm sheets, so make sure to carefully read before ordering.

Filter media can either be wrapped around the frame and pinned to the back, or cut to fit and attached via the M3 bolts to the outside. You may also be able to figure out some kind of way to attach the filter media on the inside by cutting some holes for the quick release bolts to go through? If you come up with different ways to attach a filter, post some photos!

BOM:

• 8-16 M3 6mm bolts (longer if using accessories like handles)
• 8-16 M3 nuts 
• Filter material, such as PVC PC mesh
• (Option: tool-less attachment) 4-8 makerbeam tool-less bolts + receivers (use the 0.5mm thread length bolt)
• (Option: threaded bolt attachment) 8-16 makerbeam xl nut positioners. You'll also need to substiute 8 or 10mm M3 bolts for the 6mm ones listed above

The panels are designed with my tool-less makerbeam xl interface in mind, but is not required. Threaded M3 fasteners can be used instead if you substitute longer M3 bolts.

For any panels using handles or other accessories that require a secure connection, do not use the tool-less interface. It is strong enough to hold a static load like a case panel but not much more.

If using tool-less interface: I'd recommend using at least 4 attachment points per case panel, or 1 per corner. I'd probably use all 8 on a larger side panel.

File/folder structure:

• ATX
  • front.stl
  • top_bottom.stl
  • side.stl
• mATX
  • front.stl
  • top_bottom.stl
  • side.stl

Each individual STL file contains one of each part needed for the print. You can “split to objects” or “split to parts”  to print each object individually.  

Printing:

• 4x corner pieces
• 2x short edge pieces
• 2x long edge pieces

I printed these in Overture PETG on a Bambu Lab P1S. The longest edge pieces for the ATX case parts will need to be rotated 45 deg to print on a 256x256x256 bed, but in general none of the prints should exceed the length of the longest parts on the matching beamcase build.

The corner pieces are designed to be printed with the nut-catch facing down, but your overhang printing settings might need to be pretty good to get a good print. If that doesn't work, you may have get better results printing them “upright” on an edge, probably with a brim or raft. Everything else is designed to be printed without supports/no overhangs. You may need to rotate objects to put the flat face down, but it's pretty obvious which side you're supposed to print them on.

Limitations:

These panels assume you're using 300mm long beams for the “depth” of the case when sitting on a desk, but I know some people use 330mm beams for their builds. If there's interest, I can generate a set of files for those dimensions.

Likewise, I haven't included any files for Beamcase SFF because I haven't bought those files. If there's interest and someone tells me the outer frame dimensions of Beamcase SFF I'm happy to generate some files for that case as well.