New Universal 3d printing cabinet launched on kickstarter

[makerkase]

This was cut and paste directly from the KickStarter campaign


Universal Maker cabinet. Perfect for 3D printers, model makers, small CNC machines and open frame Bitcoin Miners.

The idea for creating a project like Maker Kase was inspired by necessity, like so many other projects on Kick Starter. The task was to solve a problem we were having in our office on a daily basis. Our company has been in the retail/production industry for over a decade. During this time we have gone from model making to the latest in desktop CNC and 3d printing. What used to take us a year to design, prototype, and produce for our retail clients is now usually done in under six months. To accomplish this we relied a lot on 3d printing and the concept of rapid prototyping. From our original Cupcake, to an 8'x8' PrintrBot all the way to our current Afinia machines, we embraced 3d printing. Yet a lot of times we were left with bad prints due to temperature variances, people bumping into the printer accidentally, or vibration loosening some of the kit pieces during high speed printing.
It was then that we decided to use our resources and create our own cabinets that could sit on our desks and protect our equipment from all of the variables that left us frustrated. We knew from the beginning we wanted a cabinet that was similar in durability and structure to professional grade equipment.. After a few weeks of tinkering in Solidworks, we had a design we really liked and was big enough for all current and foreseen machines.
Original Concept
After we had the idea we liked, it was time to approach our production partner who had the equipment and expertise we needed to prototype our cabinet. We worked closely with them to make sure the cabinet was built to our specifications and would allow easy customization to individual use. This meant being able to use it as a 3d printer cabinet, a drying cabinet for model makers, a cabinet to store a custom mining rig, and just about any other use for a cabinet this large.
We knew we would want to put lighting into the cabinet so that we would be able to watch a print in progress, so we made sure the cabinet would have a knockout panel in the front for a single gang metal box. This meant we would use either 110v or low voltage to power up a standard light bulb or led bulb. We liked the idea of the power switch being right in the front. We also learned that cold temperatures or a draft could destroy the print, making it imperative to heat our cabinets. We looked to the Maker community for this and found many people using the small STC-1000 PID units to do this. The PID would also come in handy for drying paint on a newly built model. Therefore, we decided to also create a knock out in the front for the PID so we could add heating to the cabinets if we wanted to.
Wire management and the ability to vent fumes from the cabinet were also important, thus, we decided to build two knock outs, one on each side of the cabinet at a large 2" diameter for wire management or installing a small 12v fan to duct out fumes or excessive heat from a mining rig.
What developed was an amazing design. We did a small batch of prototypes for our office. We now use these cabinets every day for our day to day work. Everyone who comes by our office asks if they could get a cabinet. We soon realized that we needed to make these cabinets available to others.
Original cabinet in stainless steel straight off production.
We realized quickly from feedback that not everyone wanted or could afford the stainless steel finish we wanted for our office. While we loved the industrial look of stainless steel, it is a more expensive metal to use in production so we had another meeting with our production partner. We went over the materials available and we decided that a mild steel, currently used in Desk Top Tower PCs was the right choice for a less expensive case. We also liked the idea we could powder coat the mild steel and decided to use a black and white finish the factory currently uses. Black for PC users and white for Apple users.
First mild steel production samples powder coated.
For us to do this project in a short run production order for Kick Starter supporters, we need to commit to three hundred units in mild steel and fifty units in stainless steel. In order for the factory to recalibrate the machines, load the laser program, and shut down to do our production run those are the requirements. Many factories would not even do such a short run, but our relationship with them has allowed us to create this project for the entire Maker community at an incredible value.
We are extremely excited to take a product we are using on a daily basis and bring it into the homes of our supporters. To help decrease the per piece production cost, each cabinet will be shipped unassembled to our supporters. This cuts production cost, ocean transportation costs, and shipping costs. The purpose of this project is to get the finest cabinet at the best value to other Makers who will grow our community.

PLAY

Here are key specifications of the Maker Kase:

• Available in solid Stainless Steel or mild steel with White or Black Powder coat finish.
  
• Top lifting panel to access cabinet from the top only. Handle is flush with top panel when not in use. Will be added in PRODUCTION.
  
• Front opening panel with clear plexiglass window to see what is printing. Handle is solid steel for years of operation.
  
• Dual knock out panels in front of cabinet for personal customization.

1. One knockout is for a standard metal single gang electric box
   
2. One knockout is for a PID Thermostat Controller Model STC-1000

• Each side of the cabinet has a 2” knockout panel for cables or venting.
  
• Cabinet has 4 rubber feet to reduce vibrations and ensure a sturdy footprint.
  
• Cabinet has a lock on the front door for security or accidental opening during printing.
  
• All materials are ROHS compliant for environmental impact guidelines.
  
• Cabinet weighs roughly 45lbs
  
• Cabinet has basic dimensions of: 24” Wide x 22” High x 22” Deep

Production Schedule
Stainless Steel Finish
Powder Coated Black Finish
Powder Coated White Finish

[ToyMakerRon]

Not a bad idea, but not absolutely needed in my home. Do we really need a cabinet for a filament printer?

[makerkase]

I think that depends on the Makers environment... since ours is mostly commercial where air control isn't as easy and the amount of printing we do it is very crucial. The amount of filament we save in a year not replacing warped print outs pays for itself. Also a lot of kits have wires and power supplies all over the place. It doesnt look very nice on an open desk. This is a great way to keep everything in one place and the presentation is very attractive. Def. wife friendly! After CES this year we noticed even the smallest guys are starting to enclose or offer some sort of chamber...but it locks you into that printer and we didnt like that idea. You can "grow" into our cabinet as you upgrade or change models.

[jimc]

that is really great. i couldnt buy all the materials and make it myself for that either. fantastic job. you in nj too. i half tempted to get onboard with this.

[makerkase]

sounds like a Plan "jimc", remember its only $250 with local pickup AND today we decided to include a STC-1000 PID with every cabinet sold!

[jimc]

might i ask where in nj you are located? we have a boat load of members here in nj. also i didnt see it listed but whats the gauge of the metal?

[makerkase]

Our warehouse is in Rockaway Nj over by the Times building...our office we actually sit and work is in NY...we share warehouse space with As Seen On TV's distribution center... the cabinet is 16-18 guage depending on the surface. Slightly thicker on the base by the feet section... hence why it weighs almost 50 pounds!

[jimc]

well thats about 2.5hrs. bad but not too bad i guess. 16-18ga is pretty beefy so thats great.

sorry for the million questions but i see your dimensions as 22" from front to back. i would assume this is outside dimensions. what are the inside? my makergear m2 bed moves front to back and im am at 21.5" so cuttin it close there.