Some further exploration into an octagonal/hexagonal Pi enclosure. This includes placement of functional slots (such as port access) and utilising the blank faces of the prism shapes.
Enclosure Development 4 : Bzzzz!

This section of my blog documents the development of a Raspberry Pi enclosure design, contributing to the ‘CAD Modelling and Product Design’ Unit of my MSc Industrial Digitalisation course at MMU.
Some further exploration into an octagonal/hexagonal Pi enclosure. This includes placement of functional slots (such as port access) and utilising the blank faces of the prism shapes.
Whilst trying to develop my Raspberry Pi enclosure design, I began exploring the possibility of developing the design with a hexagonal profile.
Here is the next iteration of the Pi Enclosure that I CADded to be 3D printed for testing this week. The design has been updated with a cleaner aesthetic, including lots of filleted rectangles, that I have attempted to keep consistent within the entire design.
Here are some of my ideas for fixing the problems identified in the previous iteration. Overall, the design hasn’t changed significantly, but suggested improvements should make a tangible difference.
The first model was extremely useful, allowing me to identify issues, not only with the design itself, but with how it’s design affected the manufacturing of the enclosure.
I have just submitted my first CAD model to be 3D Printed at PrintCity. This will test the tolerance between interlocking parts and the fit of the bolts that secure the board down.
I am currently developing the fastening mechanism of the enclosure and it’s location/integration within the casing design. This will be partially determined/influenced by the way that the product will be manufactured.
Upon choosing to develop an enclosure with a sliding hatch/cap, as a simpler, perhaps more robust way of protecting the Raspberry Pi, I decided to develop the concept through sketching.
Here is another Raspberry Pi Enclosure idea I’ve created a quick CAD model for, that tackles the issue of accessibility and ease of use in a slightly different way.
The first CAD for my initial Raspberry Pi enclosure design.