Acrylic Computer Case

[CNCRob]

I was just wondering if anyone has cut their own computer case out of acrylic or knows of any plans or info about how to do it. Thanks-Robbie

[kong]

Crikey, I did start a project a few back when I was into modding, but I only used a hand held router. Acrylic routes nicely providing you use a low spindle speed and high feedrate. I used regular up-cutting spiral cutter but I believe there are specialist PCD ones available if you have a few quid to spend.

http://www.btinternet.com/~jasonrsmi...CD-Distant.jpg

[CNCRob]

That case looks great kong, How thick was the acrylic you used, and how did you fasten all the parts together? Thanks, Robbie

[kong]

Hi Rob, I recall it was 6mm acrylic - cell cast rather than extruded. I used a solvent adhesive designed for acrylic. It was called "Tensol", but there is another more popular brand in the US - I have forgotten what it was called though!

[Geof]

Acrylic can be joined, solvent welded, very nicely with methylene chloride but be absolutely certain you are dealing with cast acrylic not extruded. The technique is to have nicely fitted joints, gaps only a few thousandths wide, with everything held in place using masking tape and clamps and then apply the solvent using a small hypodermic needle and let it flow by capillary action. Experiment on some scrap first; if your gap is too wide the solvent will not flow because there is no effective capillary action but if it is too narrow the acrylic swells and blocks the flow before the joint is full of solvent. A good solvent weld is practically invisible and almost as strong as the parent material.

With methylene chloride work in a well ventilated area.

[joecnc2006]

This is what I use on Acrylic welds... Its called "Weld-On", and also the needle aplicator. All you do is run the aplicator along seams and it will go into the joints almost by itself, and dries quick within a few seconds.

Joe

[lightorber]

Sounds like what I've been workig with placing pins between the joins and using capillery attraction to suck the adhesive into the join works real well.

[HayTay]

CNCRob,

Check these links out for some inspiration, tips, pointers, assembly info., etc. I really like the first link for the 'Project Spire' which has a 'core' chassis made from aluminum angle. The aluminum frame is accented using cut and stacked acrylic sheets. The case is then lighted from above and below using Blue UV cathodes and some UV paint. Very impressive and a great DIY case design that can be modified/adapted for other uses.

Project Spire - Aluminum/Acrylic Hybrid PC Case
(The link is for the final page, page 7. Make sure you scroll to the bottom of the page to see the links for the pages detailing the entire build!)

Blue UV Reactive Acrylic Case

DesignComp D.I.Y. Acrylic Case Kit

DIY Acrylic Cement

Working with Acrylic

[CNCRob]

Thanks HayTay,
I'll check those out.