Design and Print an Arduino Box with FreeCAD

Описание

Learn along with me as I work through the process of making a usable project box for an Arduino.

This video is targeted at the beginner FreeCAD user, so be warned if you are a seasoned pro.

I have several projects in mind to use this process for, but I have been unhappy with my previous attempts. So through this video series I hope to work out how to create a well fitting case for the Arduino UNO and the use that knowledge to create other projects.

IMPORTANT NOTE: At 17:40 I made a mistake I entered 3.97 it should be 13.97.

In this video we will work through some of these concepts:

Sketching with parameters.
Parameter entry in the Property Tab
Formulas based off Feature Properties
Using a printout to test fit your design.
Using the TechDraw Workbench

This video went a lot longer than I would have hoped (even after re-shooting clips) so I have included a time index to help navigate and hopefully get you past the stuff you don't need.

I have created a git repository on github that contains the file created in the video, you can get it at:

https://github.com/rangefinderkit/basic-arduino-case

The file may be a little different than what is in the video. I re-created the one in the video.

Arduino Case - Time Index - More jump offs than you will ever need.

00:00 Introduction
00:29 Version

Arduino Outline for Reference
00:37 Arduino "Bounding Box"
01:22 Looking at Source Dimension Drawings
01:59 Finish Sketch
02:48 Rename Sketch

Main Body Sketch
02:59 Outer Shell Sketch
03:10 Spreadsheet for drawing parameters and how to enter an Alias
03:51 Create new sketch for shell
04:09 Add a rectangle for outer shell
04:22 Distance Constraint using External Geometry / Spreadsheet / Wall Thickness
05:18 Edit Constraint Formula in Properties Tab
05:35 Optionally, eliminate external geometry ( also gets rid of formula )
06:18 Pad the outer shell

Hollow out the main Body
06:28 Sketch to create pocket.
06:57 Constrain this sketch to external Arduino geometry
07:25 Add Constraint Formula
08:08 Edit Constraint Formula in Property Tab
08:38 Pocket the sketch and use Property of main Pad in formula

ISSUE:
10:02 Measurement Type Casting, must explicitly declare mm
I call it a bug but it is not. How could FreeCAD know what Units you want? Silly Me.

11:04 Demonstration of the value of using Formulas.

Lid Ledge Sketch
11:25 Lid Ledge Sketch
12:09 Parameters for the Lid Ledge

Mounting Posts Sketch and Pad
14:14 Create a sketch for posts
14:30 Use circle tool for posts
15:02 Set radius of posts
15:24 Position Posts
18:00 Pad the Posts
18:12 Add post height alias in spreadsheet

Fillet(s)
18:55 Fillet inside and outside corners ( but not the bottom edge )

Box complete - Using Prints to Check your dimensions.
21:50 Adding Tech Drawings, Using a US 8.5x11 Template
23:37 Adding a Section View

Photo Segment - First Prototype
25:15 Here is the first print
25:55 Checking the opening measurements
27:10 Checking the Post Hole Alignments
27:41 Openings Alignment and some issues

Last Thoughts
29:07 Getting ready for next phase.


Thanks to all the viewers who watch comment and subscribe. My channel is small but I consider it an honour to do these videos.