If you own a Shapeoko 3 CNC mill you can cut your own remote display enclosure using the files in this post.
The source file opens in Carbide Create, a free 2D editor for the Shapeoko 3 CNC mill. Even if you don’t own a Shapeoko 3, you can still download Carbide Create and use it to get the dimensions for your mill.
You can create a 3D printed enclosure using the dimensions in theses files. If you create one and want to share your work, send me a copy of your file and I’ll post it here.
CTR2_3-5_Inch_Enclosure_7-23-21 – this file contains the source and gCode files to cut the enclosure for the 3.5″ display. You will need a 8″ x 10″ piece of .093″ acrylic (available at home improvement stores). Download
CTR2_5-0_Inch_Enclosure_7-23-21– this file contains the source and gCode files to cut the enclosure for the 5″ display. You will need a 12″ x 10″ piece of .093″ acrylic (available at home improvement stores). Download
Here’s the process I use:
- Secure a 3/4″ waste board to the bed of your CNC
- Home the mill
- Install a 1/16″ single-flute bit in your mill
- Move the mill to the front left corner of the waste board
- Position the acrylic sheet on the bed with the 8″ or 12″ side on the X axis and the 10″ side on the Y axis
- Set the left front corner of the acrylic under the mill bit and tape it in place
- Zero X, Y, and Z. Set X and Y to the front left corner of the sheet and the Z axis so the bit just touches the sheet
- Run the 1-Mounting_Holes.nc gCode file to cut the mounting holes
- Secure acrylic to the waste board using 3/4″ flat head screws. Install a 1/4″ grommet on each screw to provide a cushion when tightening the screw. This will prevent cracking the acrylic. On the 3.5″ display, the two mouting screws secure the center cutout of the display bezel. There are a few more screws needed for the 5″ display.
- Leave the tape in place
- Replace the 1/16″ bit with a 1/4″ 90 degree VEE bit and zero the Z axis
- Run the 2-Vee-Label.nc and 3-Vee-Cuts.nc gCode files to cut the CTR2 label, display bezel, and the three mitered ends of the display panels.
- Replace the 1/4″ 90 degree VEE bit with the 1/16″ single-flute bit and zero it
- Run the 4-Holes.nc and 5-Panels.nc gCode files to cut the holes and the panels.
Note: There are two panel files for the 5″ display. Cut them both. - Remove the mounting screws and gently snap each piece out of the acrylic sheet.
- Prep the panels as described in the Construction: Display Enclosure post.