Faceplate for HY28B Display

[bauderline]

Folks,

I am looking for a way to obtain an aesthetically pleasing finish for my project, basically what I need is a faceplate adapter for the HY28B display I am using. I have been considering purchasing a 3D printer for this and a few other jobs, but I have little experience of them so I am not sure exactly what I will end up with. Apart from that does anyone have any other suggestions such as laser cutting or are their any service providers for this sort of thing ?

See attached for a very rough mock up.... you can tell I am not really an arts and crafts type of person...

Best regards, Peter.

[Felix]

To buy a 3d printer for this would make no sense if you only need a few items. You could just print it at your local maker hub/club.
Otherwise you could laser cut acrylic or thin plywood which is MUCH easier to design and much faster to cut. You could take a layered approach like this:

[TomWS]

Very nice work, Felix!

[Felix]

Haaaa... that wasnt my work, just blatant internet image copy paste job 

[bauderline]

Thanks Felix, have you any recommendations for a decent low end laser cutter ? Some of the ones I have been looking at seem to geared towards engraving or cutting wood, I would really need something that can cut 3/4mm of acrylic.

To be honest I have a multitude of smallish projects that would benefit from custom casings not to mention I have some 14 temp stats face plates I need to make, so an entry level 3d printer might be the way to go....

The entry level laser cutters look expensive...

BR Peter.

[Felix]

I would not recommend any "entry level" desktop lasers. I wrote a blog entry about my adventure importing a larger 60W laser, see blog about that. It cost about $4000 in total.
A desktop 3d printer may be your best choice for what you're describing. I am hearing this one is quite good: http://www.amazon.com/Printrbot-Simple-Kit-Dimensions-Resolution/dp/B00KJ6BU4K/
This is their most basic type, comes as a kit and can print up to 4x4x4" PLA without the need of a heated bed (recommended for ABS). For $350 it may be a good start in 3d printers.

[bauderline]

Thanks, that actually looks REALLY interesting !!

[Felix]

The only thing I'd add is that while printrbot has a poor customer service, the printers seem to just work according to some "sources"
But take this with a grain of salt, read the reviews and make a decision for yourself if it's the printer for you or if you want to invest more cash into a better printer.

[bauderline]

Will do, have watched a few youtube videos and it seems it requires a little work to setup and maintain, but it does what it says on the tin so to speak... Seems you can get an XL upgrade kit to expand the max size as well... Will dig further....

[Felix]

Also definitely check this website and reviews: https://www.3dhubs.com/3d-printers