Buck Converter (LM2596) Enclosure

prusaprinters

<p>This is an enclosure for a LM2596 (or similar) buck converter which I use to step down voltage for DC applications.</p><p>It prints without supports and needs a bit of hardware:</p><ul><li>4 x M2.5 6mm screws (for fixing both the module and the cap)</li><li>4 x M2.5 threaded inserts</li><li>2 x PG7 cable glands (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y5HGYK2">example reference</a>)</li><li>1 x LM2596 module (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UBZL9W/">exact reference</a>)</li><li>1 x 3mm diameter rubber seal or similar (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZNG9VB3">example reference</a>)</li><li>Optional 2-pin connectors (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LCV97AY">exact reference</a>)</li><li>2 x wood screws (to attach the enclosure to a stud or similar)</li></ul><p>I use PETG instead of PLA when printing electronics enclosure but PLA may be adequate tooe depending on your environment.</p><p><strong>Assembly:</strong></p><ol><li>Using the tip of a soldering iron, place the 4 threaded inserts in their holes</li><li>Add the rubber seal (a drop of cyanoacrylate glue can help keep the seal in its gutter)</li><li>Screw in the PG7 cable glands on each side</li><li>If you are using 2-pin connectors, insert them through the glands and solder the leads directly to the LM2596 module</li><li>Put the LM2596 module in place with the M2.5 screws</li><li>Place the cap on and close it with the remaining M2.5 screws</li></ol><p><strong>Weather proofing:</strong></p><p>The enclosure can be made completely weather proof. As I did not use this enclosure outdoor yet, I decided to add perforations in the cap for minimum air ventilation.</p><p>The LM2596 module should not heat up too much at the intensity of current I am using it at. This can vary from application to application.</p><p>I will probably update this model with a fully weather proof future version which may include extra support to maintain a closed seal in the middle of the long sides.</p>