Retro Iris Crimson Chassis for Framework 12

Inspired by the SGI Iris Crimson, a computer graphics powerhouse from 1992, this Framework 12 desktop conversion chassis is made to give your motherboard a new home for whatever future projects you have in mind.

Design Features

The central feature of this design is the re-use of the power button board and the relocation of the input modules to be on the same side. I've also included a mounting location for the audio board, though connecting it is left as a future project.

If you don't want to re-use the original power button board, e.g. because you aren't upgrading to the fingerprint reader, you can still access the button on the motherboard as the side pod top panel is liftable.

Relocating the rear two input modules requires a pair of off-the-shelf 12" usb-C 90-degree panel mount extensions

The front compartment has space to comfortably access the sides of the expansion modules for easy removal. I've also included a mounting location for the audio board, though connecting this to the motherboard will be a future project or exercise for the reader.

Keeping true to the style of the Iris Crimson, this chassis features a front door behind which you can conceal your cable routing. The intention here is that future use of the side "expansion bay" area would allow cable routing without visible cables by modify the side panels as needed.

The extra space in the chassis can be utilized in (future, wip) models to use this chassis as a NAS or add other peripheral add-ons.

You may have spied SGI's iconic workhorse in the 1993 thriller Jurassic Park alongside hacker Dennis Nedry's desk; It is only on screen for a a few frames so don't worry if you missed it.

Printing Settings

I've designed the models to include integral supports and split the design into multiple parts so each prints with default settings in the orientation found in the stl files.

I've tested the models to be able to print on default settings on the Prusa Mk4s. Some parts may benefit from the use of brims as noted below if you experience lifting, and I've used the dovetail cut in prusaslicer for a strong friction fit on larger parts as noted.

Integral supports have been added where required so no additional supports are needed.

I recommend using the default settings for your printer, except as noted below, with the smallest layer height you can tolerate waiting for. I used 0.10mm Fast Detail and 0.20mm Speed with good results, but even .28mm Draft should work as long as you are comfortable forcing the parts together where needed.

To match the original colorways, print the "main chassis" in one color (gray or crimson) and the "Expansion Bay" in the other color.

For large parts I print with the dovetail cut - see below.

Main Chassis Parts

• Bottom - .20mm speed, 4mm brim, .3mm distance. Dovetail cut.

• Top - .20mm speed, 4mm brim, .3mm distance. Dovetail cut.

• Right Panel - .20mm speed, 4mm brim, .3mm distance. 4 walls.

• Left Panel - .20mm speed, 4mm brim, .3mm distance. 4 walls.

• Input Module Bay Right - .10mm Fast Detail, Default settings (No Brim)

• Input Module Bay Left - .10mm Fast Detail, Default settings (No Brim)

Expansion Bay Parts

• Base Left - .20mm speed, 4mm brim, .3mm distance. Dovetail cut.

• Base Right - .20mm speed, 4mm brim, .3mm distance. Dovetail cut.

• Top Left (front/rear) - .20mm speed, default settings.

• Top Right (front/rear) - .20mm speed, default settings.

• Walls Left - .20mm speed, default settings.

• Walls Right - .20mm speed, default settings.

Make sure to modify the bridging angle if required depending on your print orientation. See images below.

Additional Parts

This print is designed to be used with the following non-printed parts:

• Generic off-the-shelf usb-c 90 degree panel mount 12" (x2)

• M2 Threaded inserts

• Original Framework power button board (optional)

• 4mm x 2mm circular magnets

Assembly

I've included the blender file for reference during assembly. Fun fact this model was developed completely by hand in Blender, and in turn Blender was originally made for the SGI Irix operating system that the SGI Iris Crimson would have had installed. 

Test Prints

To avoid lengthy prints I've included a test print part meant for confirming print settings. Confirm you are happy with the print quality using these parts before starting a multi-hour print :) .

I've included the test print audio and power boards I made which are used to confirm mounting hole locations and alignment in lieu of a real board.

I've also included a simplified motherboard model which is printable for testing and contains holes for m2 screws in the location of the actual motherboard screws.

Revisions

2026-09-29: Initial Upload, revised input module spacing

2026-09-30: Contest Entry Revision, added "expansion" pods models.