PC Case as an Laser Scanner Housing ?

[CDBEAM]

Greetings, fellow Photon artists,
Well, in my opinion, I am going to stick with the concept of two or three story…”post and beam” construct. Yes, that happens to be how my projector is organized….how fortunate !!
The main reason is isolation of the “ Laser/Optics” level. As it has been noted many times, “compartmentalization” minimizes the flow of dust to the optics….less dust = less cleaning…
less cleaning = less likelihood of scratching the delicate optics ( Dichros/mirrors ). ….so….because optics isolation IS a logical design feature….what better way to achieve it than a completely separate level. And as a sidebar….because the optics MAY need realignment or cleaning….the logical place is the top elevation because it has the most access.
Next, why “ Post and Beam” construction…..by this I mean the two or three levels are “Stand alone” assemblies of their own. They will support the Optics and Electronics without the use of a covering façade. ….as in a “ frame + cover “ organization. In this fashion…the distance between levels can be selected as a function of component height. In my version…the levels are interconnected by four (4)- 3/8”- SS threaded rods. The elevation separation is driven by final component placement. Let me add that…” It is NOT over until the Obese lady sings “….meaning that final component layout is arrived at by “ Trial and Error “ method…..like a puzzle !!!....” this goes here…mmm…that goes there….NO….that can’t go there because the next box needs to go there…you dummy” problem solving type exercise. So…it would seem desirable that flexibility in level separation be an attribute of good design. The last reason for “ frame + cover “ layout would be cost…..No heavy duty case = No Heavy duty case price !!!!
OK…what is the downside…..several….wiring between the levels is proving to be a PITA !!( Difficult ) You have to think like the person who will be doing service….and plan for any and all service….which means….possible change-out of ANY component….power supplies, drivers….whatever !!!....so to this end….the wiring should be done with dis-assembly in mind !!! I have used terminal strips at many, many locations…..in other words…if I have to rip this thing apart…..to repair / replace / upgrade…..how should I design it to make that (likely ) procedure the most simple and painless !!!! Tall order !!
Another downside which I am just getting to…covering…mine will be a combo of aluminum plate @ 3/16” and Lexan clear Plexiglas. The difficult aspect of this is like to be really good alignment….so that all corners fit together perfectly…and all looks good !!! Looks are important….well…at least to me.
Hope I have been helpful….in all this rambling !!!! Good luck….
CDBEAM / Bob

Added note: Oh....and a multi-level design does provide the most compact / smallest footprint package...a desireable feature !!

[carmangary]

^ Very good advice. I'm have one layer but two halves (or compartments really). Serves the same function as multiple layers but is a little simpler.

[thesk8nmidget]

i dont see a computer case being a very good laser enclosure. just my opinion. i think the moajority of them are going to be too "Flimsy."

this was also my first thought and concern

You could mount all of the optics onto a nice aluminum plate and then attach that inside the case somehow. The power supplies and fans could attach to the normal computer case.

but this would be a good way to make the computer case work.