Greetings. I've been frustrated forever by the poor and sparse options for encasing custom electronics. There are off-the-shelf products which are never a good fit in dimension or aesthetics. I've rolled my own many times, always using aluminum, and I would do it again except my latest contraption has an internal 802.11 WIFI antenna -- a metal box is not an option.
But what an age we live in, for a few bucks I can get a one-off custom plastic case fabricated? Cool.
I tried a few 3D Linux tools and quickly realized a parametric tool like OpenSCAD would let me model my PCB's down to the component level, let me experiment with different mounting options, connectors, wire routes, component placement. What a blast, I've never had the freedom to put elements exactly where I want them and then build from there. I can't imagine doing this with a mousy push & wiggle tool.
I'm hoping you folks are not only familiar with parametric modelling, but also with the practical fabrication of parts? Because I have a design, but no idea if it can be "printed". Here's a picture:
This is the case top inverted. I assume this would have to be printed inverted as well. Minimum thickness is 3/32. Is this feasible using what Shapeways calls "strong and flexible plastic"? In particular, what about the rectangular opening at the back?
Any advice is most appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff