7 mins read

Modder creates an awesome modular kinetic PC case — 3D-printed gears, wood, and acrylic combine to generate mesmerizing continual movements

Like many of us, Robert shared the dream of building a custom PC case. However, unlike most of us, Robert made it by combining wood, 3D-printed gears, and acrylic to create a unique kinetic custom case. The case features multiple moving parts that create kinetic movements you get to see on the front panel, operated by gears and shafts behind it, hidden away thanks to the new external casing made of wood.

He repurposed his old PC case as a mainframe to hold the core components of his system. The Corsair Crystal 570X case was ideal for him once he removed the side and front glass panels. He made a new external body out of plywood, with multiple hexagonal cut-outs on the sides. The outer body was designed to have an all-black finish with wooden accents and is pressure-fitted by slipping it over the 570X. Although he considered using fasteners and magnets as mounts for each panel, this was a preferred choice for multiple reasons. After solving the challenges with the wooden surface’s paint job, he focused on the front panel movements, a vast undertaking, and the project’s highlight.

The Heart and Soul of This Kinetic Movement

The brain of this kinetic movement is an Arduino Uno board with a combination of codes from multiple sources to move the 4988 stepping motor and the Nema 17 motor. Once he got the perfect rotation through trial and error, he installed the setup inside the case and powered it from the motherboard. So far, Robert has been nothing but impressive, and the video does a great job of providing that valuable edutainment. But here comes the complicated part, which demanded much time, effort, patience, and experiments with different materials and gear designs.

(Image credit: Ideal Idea via YouTube)

He decided on three front panel complications, starting with what he says is the most straightforward design and working his way up to the most complex. The front panel is modular, allowing for different front panels to be switched, each with other complications. The main body and the front panel had to be made seamless, allowing the case to get air in from the sides of the kinetic front panel. The NEMA 17 motor was connected to a gear, which was then installed through the case, moving other gears behind the front panel. The front panels are secured onto the case with custom 3D-printed clamps installed on the 570x’s body.

First Kinetic Movement