Framework Desktop Front Panel

Custom front panels for the Framework Desktop.

I was not happy with the original front and the way the tile grid blocks the front system fan.
That is why I designed a simple yet elegant front cover with angled vent slits as a replacement.

While I was overhauling the Noctua-style side cover, I also designed a front cover that follows its design.

If you like this design, please consider leaving a ♥heart. Thanks!

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Materials

The front panel is held to the case by eight magnets:

• [8x] Magnet, 5 x 10 x 3 mm (rectangular) OR 6 x 3 mm (round)

The actual size of the magnets can be configured in the FreeCAD file.

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Printing

For the front panel, use the modifiers as described below:

• Load the Support Enforcers model to support the tabs at the bottom.

  • Don't load it as part but as support enforcer!

• Load the Solid Infill modifier for the button elements to increase their stability.

  • Don't load it as part but as modifier!

• Use the Light Guide to configure a transparent material for the power LED.

  • This can either be selected as part of the STEP file or loaded as a separate part.

• Configure a pause (or color change) at the layer that closes the magnet slots.

  • Make sure to insert the magnets properly so that they don't protrude! Otherwise, this might damage your printer!

  • Make sure that your nozzle is not magnetic! Make yourself familiar with problems that might occur:

    • For more info, see: Ways To Embed Magnets In 3D Prints And Not Ruin Printers

  • Use disposable gloves and try not to leave fingerprints while inserting the magnets. This might impair layer adhesion after printing is continued.

Logos:

Use a (manual) multi material setup to add logos to the front cover.
I suggest configuring a height (thickness) of 0.34 mm, which results in two layers in most setups (or configure to the exact height of two layers).

I cannot add the Framework logo to the model, but you can find the SVG on Wikimedia Commons.

Print Setup:

I would advise not to use PLA because it will get gummy at around 60°C which is a normal operation temperature of the device. Also, PETG has a significantly better layer adhesion and flexibility which benefits power switch stability.

• Nozzle: 0.4 mm

• Filament material: PETG

• Layer height: 0.20 mm

• Supports: Support enforcers only

• Infill: Doesn't matter

• Perimeters: 2

Warning:
Make sure your printer is capable of printing with magnetic inserts!
For more info, see: Ways To Embed Magnets In 3D Prints And Not Ruin Printers

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Credits

Some features of this model are directly or indirectly based on the original front cover released by Framework under the following conditions:

Framework Desktop © 2025 by Framework Computer Inc is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

• Repository: Framework-Desktop by Framework