# Mecano Modular Enclosure System A parametric modular enclosure system designed with **PythonSCAD**. The goal of this design is to create open and customizable enclosures by connecting different printed parts together using mechanical connectors. Similar to a construction system, walls, corners, base plates and extensions can be combined to build enclosures of different sizes and shapes. ## Features - Parametric 3D printable enclosure components - Modular connector-based construction - Create open frames and housings without redesigning the complete model - Connect walls, corners and plates together - Designed for easy modification in PythonSCAD - Suitable for electronics projects, SBCs, storage boxes and custom housings ## Concept The enclosure is built from separate printable elements: - Base plates - Connector blocks - Wall sections - Corner pieces - Support bars - Locking pins Instead of printing one large enclosure, the parts are connected together after printing. This makes it possible to: - Change enclosure dimensions - Replace individual parts - Create unusual shapes - Reuse the same connector system for multiple projects ## Connector System The core of the design is the connector. Each connector provides a mechanical interface that allows multiple parts to be joined together. Connectors can be oriented in different directions: - Horizontal connections - Vertical connections - Corner connections - Multi-way junctions The connector geometry is designed to allow parts to slide together while maintaining a stable connection. Small tolerances are included to compensate for typical FDM 3D printing differences. ## Dependencies You should have installed the **mhlib** library in a mhlib subfolder in your libraries folder. Also on pyforge available. ## Printed Parts ### Connectors Connectors form the building blocks of the system. Examples: - Single connector - Multi-direction connector - Corner connector - Cross connector ### Bars and Walls Bars are structural elements used to connect two points. They can be used as: - Side walls - Frame elements - Structural supports ### Base Plate The base plate provides a starting point for an enclosure. The plate includes: - Integrated connector positions - Optional open honeycomb-style bottom - Mounting possibilities Example: ```python print_bodemPlaat(x=180, y=120) ``` ## Parameters Main design parameters: | Parameter | Description | |---|---| | wall | Wall thickness | | width | Connector base width | | tol | Printing tolerance | | wallHeight | Default wall height | | plateSpacing | Distance between generated parts | Example: ```python wall = 3 width = 15 tol = 0.4 ``` These values can be adjusted for different printers and materials. ## Printing Recommendations Recommended settings: - Material: PLA, PETG or ABS - Layer height: 0.2 mm - Infill: 15-30% - Walls: 3 or more Accurate printing is important because the system relies on mechanical connections. If connectors are too tight: - Increase `tol` If connectors are too loose: - Decrease `tol` ## Assembly Typical assembly workflow: 1. Print required connectors 2. Print base plate 3. Insert connector pieces 4. Add walls or bars 5. Secure using pins if required No glue is required for normal use. ## Customization The design is fully parametric. You can create new enclosure sizes by changing: - Plate dimensions - Wall dimensions - Connector positions - Number of corners - Number of sides The PythonSCAD functions can also be reused to create new designs. ## PythonSCAD Usage Open: ```text mecano.py ``` Select the part to generate using the `run` parameter. Example: ```python run="connector" ``` or: ```python run="bodemPlaat" ``` The script can export printable 3MF files automatically. ## License License: TBD ## Author Matthieu Hendriks Created with PythonSCAD.

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