Framework 12 Case: Formula 1 Pit Garage

Framework Mainboard F1 Workshop Pit Garage Case

Transform your Framework Mainboard into a functional, high-octane desk centerpiece! Inspired by a modern F1 pit garage featuring a classic Lotus 97T-style race car, this enclosure combines low-profile engineering with a detailed racing diorama. It protects your motherboard while offering full access to all essential I/O ports, optimized thermal management, and a clever mechanical power button.

🏎 Key Features & Engineering Highlights

• Functional Pit Garage Diorama: A fully detailed garage setup featuring a multi-part classic F1 race car (inspired by the iconic Lotus 97T), tire racks, fuel drums, pit wall monitors, and impact wrenches.

• Integrated Mechanical Power Button: Uses a compliant, print-in-place flexible tab mechanism that flexes upon pressing to trigger the onboard SMD power switch reliably. Secured with a single M3 x 5mm screw.

• Full I/O Access: Precise cutouts for all 4 USB-C Expansion Card ports without sacrificing structural strength.

• Optimized Thermal Airflow: Elevated design with bottom intake vents beneath the fan and an unobstructed rear exhaust grill matching the Framework cooling layout.

• Smart Assembly Alignment: The garage floor base features built-in alignment pegs/connectors to easily snap the F1 car, barrels, tire racks, and monitors into their exact positions.

• Toolless Snap-Fit Cover: The top diorama floor snaps securely onto the bottom mainboard chassis using 4 side locking tabs for quick access to internal components.

🛠 Hardware & Bill of Materials (BOM)

🖨 3D Printing & Design Optimization

This project was engineered specifically for easy desktop FDM printing with minimal waste and post-processing:

• Support-Free Design: The entire project (chassis, cover plate, pit wall, and accessories) is designed to print completely without supports. Only 3 specific components of the F1 car require minimal support structures.

• No MMU Needed (Manual Color Changes): The main walls and base floor take advantage of layer-height color swaps. Simply insert filament pauses at specific layer heights to achieve multi-color garage graphics, track maps, and logos on any standard 3D printer!

• Multi-Part Assembly: Small aesthetic details are separated into individual STL files to make printing in different colored filaments straightforward and clean.

⚙ Recommended Print Settings

• Layer Height: 0.20 mm (Use 0.12 mm or lower for finer details on small diorama accessories)

• Infill: 25% (Grid, Gyroid, or Cubic)

• Walls/Perimeters: At least 3 wall loops for maximum structural durability

• Supports: Disabled for the chassis, floor base, back wall, and garage assets. Enable supports only where required on the 3 specific F1 car components.

💡 Material Recommendations

• Garage Decor & Car Parts: PLA works exceptionally well for all aesthetic components, walls, and small tools.

• Bottom Mainboard Chassis: While PLA is acceptable, printing the lower housing in heat-resistant materials such as PETG, ABS, or ASA is recommended to handle sustained CPU thermal dissipation over long usage periods.

• Feet: Print in standard material or TPU (Flex) for improved vibration dampening

🔧 Assembly Instructions

1. Mount the Mainboard: Drop your Framework board into the lower chassis and fasten it using 4x M4 x 4mm screws through the original PCB holes. (Note: If 4mm screws are hard to find, you can easily 3D print or use custom washers with standard M4 screws).

2. Install Power Button: Slot the flexible printed button into the side bay and secure it with 1x M3 x 5mm screw.

3. Close the Enclosure: Align the bare top garage floor over the base chassis and press down until the 4 side tabs click securely into place.

4. Mount Diorama Accessories: Snap the F1 car, tire racks, fuel drums, and small accessories into their dedicated pegs on the installed floor plate.

5. Install Wall & Pillars: Attach the back wall and side pillars to complete the F1 workshop setup.

If you have any question of this project feel free to comment, Thanks and leave a like if you liked it!