I have just completed my first permanent project and have enclosed it in a project box. The box works but has some limitations I didn't expect and it isn't as neat and tidy as I envisaged. My measurements for holes didn't quite match (even though I measured several times) and the plastic melted rather than cut leaving the window for the LCD rather messy. The button key switches I used have caps which when fitted stop the movement of the key so I am using them without the caps. I measured these as well and thought there was plenty of clearance.
Are there any guides or hints and tips or is it a case of practice makes perfect?
Take four straight pieces of plastic and surround the LCD, covering imperfections in the hole you made for it.
Take another piece of plastic drill the switch holes more accurately in it then overlay they box holes after they have been enlarged a bit.
When you make your holes undersized then use a rat tail file to finish them.
Make a template out of paper to aid in construction.
MartynC:
Hi,
I have just completed my first permanent project and have enclosed it in a project box. The box works but has some limitations I didn't expect and it isn't as neat and tidy as I envisaged. My measurements for holes didn't quite match (even though I measured several times) and the plastic melted rather than cut leaving the window for the LCD rather messy. The button key switches I used have caps which when fitted stop the movement of the key so I am using them without the caps. I measured these as well and thought there was plenty of clearance.
Are there any guides or hints and tips or is it a case of practice makes perfect?
This works for me. Go to
for a printable drawing of Arduino dimensions and hole patterns. Note the printing instructions. Cut out the required pattern and stick to your enclosure. Drill small (1mm - 1.5mm) pilot holes first and then open them up to 3.2mm.
Hi, an idea, draw out the front of your project box on the computer, or by hand.
Print it out or photocopy it. (Photocopy to get good inking and easy to replace if you stuff it up the first time.)
Laminate the photocopy after cutting out a hole for the LCD and each of the press buttons, then laminate it.
The LCD will have a clear window and the switches will have a weather/water proof flexible cover.
Since it sounds like you used a softer plastic, you can also use a razor blade or exacto-knife to trim off melted bits to clean it up. Machining plastic well is not an easy task. I know it gives our machinist with decades of experience a headache. His solution is to use lots and lots of coolant, which you can also do to an extent. Just fill a plant mister with water and just keep your material wet while you cut it. And be patient and work slowly, don't try to force it.
Going forward I think I need to create a template rather than drawing on the enclosure.
I also need to learn how to mount things like the screen and the keypad so that I do not need screw holes in the enclosure.
