PVC Enclosure Brackets

thingiverse

This is a project that I've been working on, but pauldude000 beat me to it at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3575081. UPDATE: V2 bracket now features chamfered outside edges and holes for an M3 screw so you can easily attach flat panels to the outside of the bracket. This option works great for plywood, acrylic, or fluted plastic. It's often easier than cutting paneling to fit inside. A video for part 1 is up now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDZMXot498o. Part 2 can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iitrBUHP9Mg&t=342s, and the third part is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKz2w1G2UYM. I remixed the corner bracket to have a slot for board material like foam board, fluted plastic / chlorplast, cardboard, or other sheet material. If you have access to a laser cutter, you can quickly cut out your panels. The other brackets are designed to hold the material flush with the outer edge of the PVC pipe. You can purchase plans at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/3D-Printer-Enclosure-Plans-4538798. MATERIAL: 1/2" Schedule 40 PVC pipe. 8 corner brackets. 8 90 degree pipe clamps. 16 M3 Nuts & bolts OR 8 M8 (3/16") Nuts & bolts. For panel material you can use cardboard, foam board, plywood, acrylic, shower curtain, or other sheet goods. You can also use chlorplast / fluted plastic from recycled political signs or conference banners. Optional: You can add LED light bars or strips to the PVC to illuminate the inside, or attach a bracket for a time-lapse camera. I use door clamps and fender washers to make a magnetic mount for an LED work light. When measuring for this project, remember that the brackets add 1 inch, and ensure that the bed clears on both ends. For the door, you can use the door clamp file or create your own custom door. In my setup I used PVC with right angle connectors. For sheeting I started with 2 mil clear drop cloth but switched to food shrink wrap. The shrink wrap can be heated with a hair dryer to smooth it out. In the pictured version I used foam core board as a backdrop.