Hey all, getting back into things now that I have more resources available to me. One thing I’m interested in (though I know it’s not an efficient solution) is printing my own top cover. However, it appears that there are no dimensions available for the cover and little info on what seems to be the magnet sensor near the bottom? All in all, it seems like it would probably cost 50-60$ vs the professional CNC part we can purchase for about 109-139$. I’ll look into making my own model for now but does anyone have dimensions? In addition, I would love a 3d model/dimensions for the bezel if anyone has it. Hopefully I’ll be able to experiment with some more interesting technologies in the future to make these feasible to print etc.
See Framework’s GitHub account, which has a STEP model of the device. You can separate out the top cover and bezel from this.
1 Like
I did end up using the framework STEP, very thankful you showed me that. It wasn’t print ready, so I did go through and add the necessary pegs. I should print a test this Monday in clear TPU, and Ill comment on this post based on how it goes. If anyone has a printer large enough and would like to give it a shot before I do, the files are on printables here: Bezel for Framework 16 by Mapou Trautman | Download free STL model | Printables.com
1 Like
I just finished the first test print, and it came out great! Now I printed in TPU so I had a little more room with my tolerances but also a little more shrinkage. Only the top segment is done so far but it fits far better than I expected for my first test. I think that something like PLA or ABS might actually be better for this purpose because the TPU is actually too flexible for my purposes. It also reenforced the value of the magnets and ill work next on making a template you can use for cutting the steel and lower areas to make fitting the pieces on the bezel simpler. I think that thin impenetrable plastic on some items in the store might work for lens covers, and I’ll work on a simplified system/mechanism for the camera & mic switches. I also may make a TPU specific version that’s slightly larger, we shall see what happens in the future. But for now the files are in the same spot if anyone else would like to give it a shot.
(The bottom Hinges aren’t covered because the bottom segment hasn’t printed yet btw)
Since the last update I have made many additions to the files, mostly related to fitment, rigidity and ease of setup (i.e. a tool and pegs for mounting Magnets to the bezel). There are still some issues I have been unable to solve namely the sliding buttons and possibly more magnets on the bottom assembly. However, solutions will come in due time, and I am aware of the FW13 printable bezel that uses a special technique for the sliders so I may employ that here.
My college also has a 3D scanner on campus that students can utilize, I would like to scan my 16’s top cover so I can make a more accurate model for future use (Anyone know exactly how bad of an idea a clear acrylic top cover is? I know it’s a bad idea but it’s still very tempting) but being aluminum, it may not go well and seeing as it’s currently my only laptop I don’t really want to spray it blue. If someone has a spare top cover they could send, please reach out. I would paint it (in theory its removable), get a detailed scan, and then work on a STEP file (and of course release all this for free). I think I saw a thread about a couple of guys who wanted to do this, and it looked like it would cost ~2k, and I’ll do it for free.
P.S. if anyone has a bottom cover or really any other unique parts I’d love to scan those too.
1 Like
I’ve made some progress as of late on the Top Cover itself, and while my current model is still underdeveloped its progressing pretty well. If one of you is able to print it before I get a chance to and/or find any issues with the parts of the cover I’ve already modeled, please reach out and tell me what’s wrong so I can remeasure and fix it.
You can find the quick scan of the top cover I did here (with a scanner not nearly tine enough):
And you can find the most current iteration of my top cover model here:
Top Cover For Framework 16 by Mapou Trautman | Download free STL model | Printables.com
The bezel design I’m making is also still going strong and that should be linked somewhere up above too but Ill put both links here too: