Case for Nullbits Tidbit - 6 degree angle

thingiverse

Case for Nullbits Tidbit. Should be able to use your original hardware - including the original back plate if you feel so inclined, but I think a 3d printed plate to allow the LEDs to shine looks best. Designed to work with normal USB cables only - right angle support is planned in v2. If you don't want to (or cannot) use your original hardware - I've included capture cutouts for m2 nuts in the backplate, so you can use an m2x6 inserted from the top to accomplish the same thing as the original fastening arrangement. If you use the m2x6 method, you may want to make a little spacer to prevent the pcb and bottom plate from bending into each other as you add more screws and tension - the pinch arrangement applies a ton of force and could very easily bend the PCB beyond spec if you're not careful. I have had success without the spacer, but I was very gentle with the forces I applied - the narrowing top "seat" captures the PCB really well. You don't need to really cranky anything down - less is more, or rather, just enough is more. Prints upside down to preserve top finish. Probably would look awesome with a textured PEI plate. Only the USB notch needs supports. Fairly simple and broad surface so no issues with whatever support style you prefer. Recommend a brim or raft to keep everything nice and tight to the plate, I had a couple prints peel up on the corner due to heat creep, as I don't have an enclosure, but it prints perfectly fine with PLA and PETT or PETG. The PCB seat isn't a traditional ledge, since I wanted to preserve the need for as little support structure as possible. It acts as a "throat" which constricts down until the PCB can't fit through, then the counterplate can be tucked up underneath and secured to the PCB to pinch the angled ledge - essentially, this case replaces the acrylic divider, just instead of remaining within the footprint of the PCB, it has a case around it instead. I've included photos and a diagram of the mounting system in case that helps - both for the original hardware and if you wanted to use your own m2 screw and nut instead. I can't stand m2x3 hardware so I replaced it ASAP. I also tried to make it as "case blind" as I could, without restricting users to the screw pattern on the Tidbit, so if you want to remix this for a different board, that should be fairly straightforward with a little tinkering. This is v1, my first attempt ever at modelling something to be printed and used - I'm extremely open to all feedback and criticism so please let me know if you see something that can be improved or there's some part of the assembly process that could be better.