SlimFrame: Framework 12 mainboard case - multiple styles, VESA, multiconnect

No AI was used, apart from spellchecking and text formatting. Real pictures and real models.

Description

A slim design for a case that can become a home for a repurposed Framework 12 mainboard, turning it into a slim PC. Great for a media PC, or even portable, if you connect it to a monitor with a USB-C hub.

Final dimensions are 227 × 128 × 17 mm. It can be mounted directly to the back of a TV with a VESA mount, under the desk with Multiconnect( if you use underware/multiboard for example), or simply placed on the desk. I think it came out looking pretty clean.

Some details:

• Multiple styles available, I might be adding more depending on my free time.

• USB indents are deliberately wide enough so you can use Framework adapter things with them.

• Power button is integrated into the top cover, and has an endstop so it's more difficult to break.

• Top cover clips into place, so no screws needed.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the board yet, and could not verify that everything fits correctly, neither have I tested the thermal performance. If/when I get the board I'll do that and remove this disclaimer. In CAD everything fits, but I did aim for a slim design so it might be tight in places. Onshape document for fixing it is available or shoot me a DM with found issues, if you're able to test it.

Onshape link:
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/bb6096453e19a5af02f8e344/w/a86b353b285f4ed775ec2ac2/e/a41169733ddde06c4a555a4a?renderMode=0&uiState=6a9c35cce49d08601b52fc4a
PS: I would appreciate a like and download anyway, even if you use the link to export :)

Assembly

BOM

• Framework 12 mainboard

• 5× M2 heatset inserts (you will reuse the screws)

Optional (mounting via one of the brackets):

• 2× M3x12 bolts

• 2× M3 nuts (6 mm wide)

Printed parts:

• 1× shell

• 1× cover of choice

• 1× shroud of choice

• (optional) bracket for mounting

Steps:

1. Insert the heatset inserts into the integrated standoffs.

2. Place the board in.

3. Screw it into the inserts using the original M2 screws.

4. Insert the chosen shroud into the cutout next to the heatsink.

5. (optional, but do it anyway) Insert the captive nuts into the holes on the opposite side from the power button. Align them with an M3 bolt from the side. If they're loose and might fall out, drop a bit of superglue in the holes. You only need these for mounting, but they're not accessible once the cover is on, so put them in now even if you're not mounting it yet.

6. (for cowards) Verify the board works.

7. Clip the top cover on. Start on the opposite side from the power button, angle it in, then carefully clip in all 5 clips. It can be disassembled later, a pry tool helps a lot.

8. (optional) attach the bracket, mount it wherever you want.

Settings

No supports. 0.2 or 0.25 layer height.

I recommend PETG, but PLA is probably gonna be just fine. The cover clips do flex every time you open it though, so PETG is the safer pick.

• 3 walls

• 20% infill.

• Top and bottom thickness should combine to at least 2.5 mm, so you don't lose time with sparse infill.
  

Mounting

Included some mounting options that connect to the case via 2 M3 screws and nuts, and can then be mounted in different ways. VESA 75 and 100 and Multiconnect mounts are included, I might add some more,  but so can you :) 

You can easily design your own. The mounting holes are M3, 120 mm center distance.

Design

I iterated on the design a bit, and decided to make them all available, Meteor being my favorite. I did play with multicolor, but it was 3 filament changes total, so its managable even without an MMU.

It has an interchangeable fan shroud and an integrated power button.

You can also copy the Onshape model and make your own design, play with colors/fuzzy skin in the slicer, etc.

Extra

I wanted to quickly upload this, because I will be away for most of the month. But I have more ideas, like adding the battery, integrated adapter slots, additional designs....

And of course verifying that the board actually fits. 

If you have any ideas or requests, let me know, and I will see what I can do. :)