Clear Case

[Adam Harvey]

I found a site with directions on building a clear case. I forget which site this was and just wanted to know if anyone knows where I can find the directions. Thanks

Adam

[MrEd]

What? Like Plexiglass? Sounds interesting. If you find it or if anyone else finds it, be sure to post it here. I'd like to see that too, as I'm getting ready to build another comp.

-MrEd
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[JROBERTS]

I seen this link over at Anands.
http://www.computingpros.com/clearcase1.html

[MrEd]

I don't know about anyone else, but this is so cool.

Can anyone guess what my next case is going to be????

-MrEd
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[Ceeffa]

Wow that is a great site!!! The case looks very interesting and very different /forum/smile.gif

[CMonster]

An interesting Idea but the execution of it was somewhat lacking in refinement. (Sorry to sound critical here but my second major is art).

All technical deficiencies for EMI and possible ESD problems aside, the case was only astheticly appealing from a distance.

This individual might consider laminating the plastic on some of the joins with methylene chloride instead of using those ugly corner brackets and screws; also, that hinge has simply got to go - it belongs on a garden gate. Finally, if you're going to hotrod the PC for show, get rid of the plastic ties on the wiring, and tidy up the rat's nest; either twist the P/S wires or use heat shrink tubing.

You might even consider some chrome or dex-gold plating.

[SoopaStar]

Here's my beef:
Arent computer cases made of metal to provide a method to dissapate heat? If you have a case taht is made of 1/4 inch plastic...isnt that going to hold in alot of heat? Even if you have an exaust fan? I admit it is neat. And if you all are wondering about the neon, I think he just used neon from someone like Street Glow (they make neon for cau audio applications). They have some neat neon--one is a tube that is filled with glass (?) particles..like broken pieces that leave air pockets for the neon to travel thru which creates a lightening effect. Could be neat on a PC.
Also, I think this type of case would be neat for computer shows for a company trying to show off a certain internal component or attract attention. I thinkthe case would be even better looking if tinted plexi was used...maybe on the top of the back....

SS

[jbyron]

here is the page with instructions
plus cases
http://www.windrivers.com/cases.htm

[Bleeding Edge]

Saw couple of colored translucent PC cases today at the local computer event. Magenta and a more purplish blue. Like the colored plastic on the Macs. It was all right. They put some thought into the design. Wasn't just substituting material.

Not for me tho'.

CM's dabbles in the fine arts? That's nice.

[Adam Harvey]

Thanks everyone. I will be making one soon, I am going to try to use some glue instead of the metal brackets. I want to show off my dual celeron 600. Plus me and my friend are opening a computer business and we will be going to some shows so I bet we will get a lot of people asking about it.

Adam

[Bleeding Edge]

For your information. The acrylic shops have a solvent that is applied with a hypo-type needle applicator. The pieces are first tightly butted together. The solvent is dripped into the seam. It will immediately flow into the jointed pieces creating a clean clear permanent bond. It actually melds the acylic together. Don't get the syginge type applicator. The small plastic bottle type with the Hypo needle is better.

To smooth rough edges, fine grades of sand paper is used. It will get to a prepolished state. Use whatever plastic polish to shine it up.

[Adam Harvey]

Do you know actually what this stuff is called, it would really help me out a lot. If I can find it I will have a lot better case then the one with metal brackets. Thanks.

Adam

[drojman]

This sounds like a really cool idea. However, I am suprised that noone has brought up the question of static. Plexi glass is made from a plastic that seems to constantly be loaded with static. I have made screen covers for big screen tv's and replacement windows out of it, and both times the static was crazy, little bits of fuz flying out of the air, sticking right to it! The television screen protector has to be constantly dusted because of it too!
Maybe there is a way to ground the case so static won't build up, like to the power supply or something. Either way, I would be carefull not to fry chips etc, at least isolate the mobo from it with rubber grommets or something!

[Bleeding Edge]

I'll be going into the city tomorrow. I think I still have a bottle there. Can't say for certain.

Every acrylic/plastic shop will have it tho'. They shouldn't recommend anything else. It's the strongest thing available. The consistency is that of water. I think it is just called solvent. Maybe a number designation like Bxx. Its usually bottled there at the shop. They may put their own labels on it.

There's all types of acrylics, you know... Clear textures, clear colors, some that look more like glass...hundreds? You won't find it at the shops. Got to contact the manufacturers for sample products. They'll send you their entire collection. Just give them a business name.

If I remember to (very forgetful these days,) I'll get couple of names. One outfit sandwiches anything that can be, between two sheets of acrylic, under real high pressure. Things end up paper thin. An organic arrangment of flowers. Fabric. Metal.

I probably won't be back until really late. so it may be Wednesday before I'll reply.

~edit

drojman is absolutely correct. Static is prevalent in acrylic/Plexiglas/Lucite. There may be some that are less so. There are pump spray cleaners that provide anti-static when applied.

Another point is that they scratch very easily. Even by cleaning with a cloth. You’ll have to supply the plastic anti-static cleaner/polisher that prevents scratching. I hazard to guess what’ll happen inside the case, as far as static is concerned.

Don't feel defeated. Invest a little in materials. Get to know how to work with the acrylic. The cutting, the application of the solvent, the polishing... you know, get to know the characteristics of this plastic.

Find out about the variety (of this type) of material out here. The more you know of the available materials, more design choices are at your disposal. The better you can offer an unique product.


[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 08-31-99).]

[Adam Harvey]

Actually I have decided to make one side of my case out of plexiglass. I have a side panel that comes off. It will be easlier and I can still see the fans and everything else.

Adam

[Bleeding Edge]

I wasn’t able to find the bottle of solvent. Admittedly, I didn’t give much effort to looking. Its there somewhere misplaced.

As mentioned previously, the plastic shop should have all you need. Plexiglas and Acrylite are two of the main manufactures of acrylic. Nevamar’s www.nevamar.com/ (http://www.nevamar.com/) Vitricor samples can probably be ordered from their site.

The Rudy Art Studio is the ones who do the pressure thing. www.rudyglass.com (http://www.rudyglass.com)

I did a quick search of ‘plastic’ and ‘acrylic’ at InfoSeek. Came back with many helpful links. Give it a try.

Sorry about not getting the solvent name. (maybe plastic something) As I keep saying, you should have no problem finding it.

On a different note, you could do it in glass. There is an adhesive that is applied to the butted edges, than flashed with UV light. This fuses the glass together -very neat! Couldn’t do it yourself tho’. You would end up with an expensive case but one that is unique enough to warrant a high price. The glass could be etched…. Brushed metal and glass…The more you know of the available materials, the more the imaginative you can become…

What ever you do Adam Harvey, Good luck!

[Adam Harvey]

Hey thanks to all the MEMBERS who helped me with this. I can't wait to become a member, maybe soon. I think I was one before but I forget my user name so I had to sign up again. All you guys are great. If you like cooling you should look into getting some round IDE cables from www.montac.com/cablestore/index.html
I did and I think it was will worth the money. As I said before thanks for all the help guys !!

Adam Harvey

[Quig]

The solvent is called Weld-on. As an industrial designer, I use it when building mockups and prototypes. It works equally well with styrene, which you can also get at a plastics shop or model store. The resulting bond is almost as strong as the material itself.