Framework Station — Modular Mini-Tower & UPS SFF Case (Framework Laptop 12)

> ⚠ DISCLAIMER & IMPORTANT NOTICE:

>

> 1. I do not physically own the Framework Laptop 12 Mainboard. This project was engineered purely as a digital CAD concept modeled with sub-millimeter precision around Framework Computer Inc.'s official 2D technical drawings and 3D reference CAD files. It has not yet been physically test-printed or test-fitted with a real board (untested conceptual prototype). Feedback, makes, and fitment photos in the Makes section are highly appreciated and welcome!

> 2. Hero Images: The photorealistic desk showcase images are AI-generated conceptual visualizations to demonstrate the intended setup, look, and ergonomics. Exact technical CAD renders and exploded assembly views of the actual 3D printed geometry are included in the gallery.

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# Framework Station — Modular Mini-Tower & UPS SFF Enclosure for Framework Laptop 12

Designed for the Printables Contest: Framework Laptop 12 Mainboard Re-Use.

The Framework Station transforms your Framework Laptop 12 Mainboard into a sleek, modular desktop workstation, home lab server, or portable mini-PC. Whether you are repurposing a board after an upgrade or building a dedicated SFF machine, the Framework Station brings workstation-grade aesthetics, zero-support printability, and genuine practical innovation.

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## 🌟 Key Highlights & Features

### 1. Two Editions — One Modular Design

* Slim Edition: An ultra-compact desktop case (227 × 129 × 16 mm) designed for the Mainboard alone. Perfect for a minimalist desktop computer, Plex/Jellyfin home server, or network appliance.

* UPS / Battery Edition: An extended chassis that accommodates both the Framework 12 Mainboard and the official Framework 50Wh Li-Ion Battery (FRACFDB001). This provides a built-in Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for home servers, or allows fully portable, cable-free computing on the go!

### 2. Vertical Desktop Tower Stand

* Includes a custom-molded desktop cradle that props the enclosure vertically.

* Takes up a tiny footprint on your desk while optimizing chimney-effect passive convection.

* Chamfered front lip and rear cable relief for clean desk cable management.

### 3. Compliant Spring-Loaded Mechanical Power Button

* Zero soldering or auxiliary wires required!

A built-in 3D-printed flexure spring cantilever with an actuation plunger aligns with precision to the onboard SMD tactile switch (*SW1** at X=104.0 mm, Y=30.0 mm).

* Delivers a satisfying, crisp tactile click directly from the exterior case.

### 4. Full 4x Framework Expansion Card Compatibility

* Preserves the full modularity of the Framework ecosystem: 2 bays on the left, 2 bays on the right (31.2 × 8.0 mm openings).

* Fully supports official Framework Expansion Cards (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD, Ethernet) or direct USB-C cable pass-through.

### 5. High-Flow Thermal Engineering

* Direct Fan Intake: 50 mm circular hexagonal mesh positioned directly over the mainboard centrifugal blower for maximum intake volume and whisper-quiet airflow.

* Exhaust Louvers: Angled perimeter vent arrays align with the heatsink fins to expel heat efficiently without thermal throttling, even during continuous multi-threaded workloads.

### 6. 100% Support-Free Printing

* Every bevel, overhang, standoff, and port cutout has been parametrically modeled with self-supporting angles (≤ 45° or bridged spans under 8 mm).

* All STLs are pre-oriented for your build plate: Bottom Chassis prints upright on its base; Top Cover prints exterior-face down on the bed (achieving a gorgeous textured surface on PEI).

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## 🛠 Bill of Materials (BOM)

| Item | Qty | Notes |

| :--- | :---: | :--- |

| 3D Printed Parts | 2-3 | Chassis, Top Cover, and optional Vertical Stand |

| Corner Screws | 4 | M3 × 16 mm (Socket head or Button head) |

| Mainboard Screws | 4-5 | M2.5 × 5 mm or M2 × 5 mm (matches official Framework standoffs) |

| Rubber Bumper Feet (Optional) | 4 | 8-10 mm adhesive silicone feet for horizontal orientation |

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## 🖨 Recommended Print Settings

* Printer Compatibility: Fits on standard 235 × 235 mm beds (Prusa MK3/MK4, Prusa CORE One, Ender 3, Bambu Lab X1/P1/A1).

* Material:

* PETG or ABS/ASA (Recommended for higher temperature resistance around the heatsink exhaust).

* PLA also works well if ambient temperatures are moderate.

* Layer Height: 0.20 mm (STRUCTURAL or QUALITY preset).

* Perimeters / Walls: 3 to 4 (gives rigid walls and strong screw threads).

* Infill: 15% - 20% (Gyroid, Honeycomb, or Grid).

* Supports: NONE (0%) — 100% support-free design!

* Bed Surface: Textured PEI sheet gives the top cover and chassis an incredible matte cast-aluminum look.

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## 🔧 Assembly Guide

1. Print the Parts:

For the *Slim Edition**: Print Framework_Station_Chassis_Slim.stl and Framework_Station_Top_Cover_Slim.stl.

For the *UPS / Battery Edition**: Print Framework_Station_Chassis_UPS.stl and Framework_Station_Top_Cover_UPS.stl.

* Print Framework_Station_Vertical_Stand.stl if you want the vertical tower setup.

2. Mount the Mainboard:

* Lower the Framework Laptop 12 Mainboard onto the 5 dedicated mounting standoffs in the chassis.

* Secure using four M2.5 × 5 mm screws.

3. Install Battery (UPS Edition only):

* Seat the 50Wh battery into the lower compartment and connect the ribbon cable to the mainboard battery header.

4. Attach Top Cover:

* Place the Top Cover over the chassis. Ensure the compliant power button aligns naturally over the switch on the board.

* Fasten the 4 corner M3 × 16 mm screws.

5. Insert Expansion Cards & Power On:

* Slide your choice of 4 Framework Expansion Cards into the side ports.

* Press the integrated power button — your Framework Station is ready to go!

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## 📦 Files Included

### Printable Models STLs/):

* Framework_Station_Chassis_Slim.stl

* Framework_Station_Top_Cover_Slim.stl

* Framework_Station_Chassis_UPS.stl

* Framework_Station_Top_Cover_UPS.stl

* Framework_Station_Vertical_Stand.stl

### CAD / Engineering Source Files STEP_CAD/):

* Individual STEP files for all parts for easy remixing and CAD customization.

* Framework_Station_Slim_Assembly.step & Framework_Station_UPS_Assembly.step (complete assemblies with simulated board fitment).

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Designed with pride for the Printables community. Open source, remixable, and engineered with precision.