Designing a 3D Printed Five-Point Temperature Controller Housing

Steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Measuring the temperature controller dimensions

   To design a proper 3D model, I first look at the physical dimensions of the thermometer component. According to the specifications, the top face measures 79 by 43 millimeters.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   W3230 Temperature controller	1	Used for physical dimensions

2. 2

   Step 2: Drawing the display base in Windows 3D Builder

   I open Windows 3D Builder and insert a cube with a length of 79 millimeters and a width of 43 millimeters. For now, I set the height to a flat 1 millimeter just to establish the top outline of the thermometer.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   Windows 3D Builder	1	Free design software

3. 3

   Step 3: Adding the cutting size for the display recess

   The specifications state a cutting size of 73 by 39 millimeters, which is the hole needed for the thermometer to slide into. I copy and paste my block, adjust its dimensions to 73 by 39 millimeters, and adjust the height to 26 millimeters based on the total unit depth. I snap this cutting block against the base and group them together to form a complete 3D model of the thermometer.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   Windows 3D Builder	1	Free design software

4. 4

   Step 4: Arranging six display modules to check sizing and scale

   Watch this part (3:52)

   I want to house five thermometers in one enclosure, so I copy and paste the model to place two units side by side with a small gap. I add another unit, copy the entire row, and place a second row underneath to see how multiple units sit together. This arrangement immediately gives me a clear sense of scale for the final housing size.

5. 5

   Step 5: Arranging multiple displays for layout scaling

   I want to house five thermometers in one enclosure, so I copy and paste the model to place two units side by side with a small gap. I add another unit, copy the entire row, and place a second row underneath to see how multiple units sit together. This arrangement immediately gives me a clear sense of scale for the final housing size.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   Windows 3D Builder	1	Free design software

6. 6

   Step 6: Refining the layout to five units plus power supply space

   Since I only need five thermometers and must leave room for a power supply, I remove one of the display models. Selecting all components shows a total span of 24.2 centimeters, which is too wide for my printer bed. I rearrange the layout by snapping the units differently, bringing the overall dimensions down to a compact 16 by 13.7 centimeters.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   Windows 3D Builder	1	Free design software

7. 7

   Step 7: Introducing OpenSCAD for box generation

   Instead of manually building a box from blocks as I did in a previous video, I use OpenSCAD for this enclosure. OpenSCAD is a free open-source tool that generates 3D models using text and scripts. Standard scripts exist for creating items like boxes, gears, and screw threads without drawing everything manually.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   OpenSCAD	1	Free open-source design tool

8. 8

   Step 8: Configuring box parameters in OpenSCAD

   After downloading and installing OpenSCAD from its website, I open the project box script file named Project Box screws. On the left side of the program, I enter my desired dimensions. I set the inner box dimensions to 180 millimeters by 180 millimeters, set the height to 40 millimeters to match standard cable ducts nicely, and set the wall thickness to a sturdy 2 millimeters with a corner radius of 2 millimeters and a 3-millimeter screw thread size.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   OpenSCAD	1	Free open-source design tool

9. 9

   Step 9: Rendering and exporting the STL file from OpenSCAD

   I click the preview arrows to generate a rough draft model based on my coordinates. Once I am satisfied with the preview, I click the render button to process a full-quality STL file. Finally, I export the model as an STL file named temperatuurdoos and save it to my desktop.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   OpenSCAD	1	Free open-source design tool

10. 10

    Step 10: Importing the box model into Windows 3D Builder

    I open the exported box model in Windows 3D Builder to inspect it on the virtual print bed. I ungroup the components to separate the box body from the lid and verify that the inner dimensions account for the required 18 centimeters.

    What I used

    Item	Amount	Notes
    Windows 3D Builder	1	Free design software
    temperatuurdoos STL file	1	Exported from OpenSCAD

11. 11

    Step 11: Preparing the box lid and copying display templates

    I rotate the box lid 180 degrees and position it digitally above the base. Next, I select all the thermometer display templates from my earlier file using Ctrl+A and copy them using Ctrl+C. I paste these display models directly into the box project window and adjust their height and spacing.

    What I used

    Item	Amount	Notes
    Windows 3D Builder	1	Free design software

12. 12

    Step 12: Subtracting display templates to create mounting holes

    I align the thermometer templates nicely in the center of the lid. I select all the cutting templates, group them together as a single part, and use the subtract edit function. This cuts five exact mounting holes into the box lid where the thermometers can snap securely into place.

    What I used

    Item	Amount	Notes
    Windows 3D Builder	1	Free design software

13. 13

    Step 13: Takeaways

    • Always measure physical hardware dimensions accurately before starting a 3D design.

    • Windows 3D Builder and OpenSCAD are free and capable tools for creating custom enclosures.

    • OpenSCAD uses scripts to easily generate boxes, threads, and technical shapes.

    • Subtracting digital component models from a box lid creates precise mounting cutouts.