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Designing My Ultimate Gamer/Omni Case! Protocase? 3D printing?

CMetaphor

CMetaphor

Quadfather
Joined
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Location
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xentr_thread_starter
So, for may years now I've had a design in my head for an over-the-top, does-it-all gaming/cooling focused case with NO compromises.

2-3 years ago, I had a contact at Raijintek that seemed receptive to making this case (was an undetailed concept at the time) based off of some bits of their existing designs with a LOT of changes (especially compared to the present iteration). Sadly, that contact wanted lots of credit for little input, and blocked all communication when I said I might make a YT video about the design. Raijintek has not answered any email or message ever since.

So now I've got two options to make this case, basically from scratch: 3D printing - which im still really far from being ready to do, haven't even started learning OnShape yet (which I hear is the one to use) - ... and ProtoCase.

Protocase is a small company... from CANADA! Woo! Nova Scotia to be precise. They seem to specialize in small runs of industrial and other one-off PC Case designs. However, they have been receptive so far. They claim that my design would remain mine, that no design information would be given to 3rd parties, and even say they'd sign and NDA as to not disclose my design.

But.. should I trust them? Are there alternative companies? I dont have a quote from them yet, because an estimate based on dimensions and parts would probably reveal at least some of the design ideas. The price... is going to be a LOT. I think. I'm sorta assuming at least $1000 for a single case, and that may even be on the low-end.

This thread will remain open for a while, hopefully with updates as they come.

PS:
Also WILL be FINALLY working on build logs again soon, and will post them here.

Stay tuned?
 
Last edited:
CMetaphor said:
So, for may years now I've had a design in my head for an over-the-top, does-it-all gaming/cooling focused case with NO compromises.

2-3 years ago, I had a contact at Raijintek that seemed receptive to making this case (was an undetailed concept at the time) based off of some bits of their existing designs with a LOT of changes (especially compared to the present iteration). Sadly, that contact wanted lots of credit for little input, and blocked all communication when I said I might make a YT video about the design. Raijintek has not answered any email or message ever since.

So now I've got two options to make this case, basically from scratch: 3D printing - which im still really far from being ready to do, haven't even started learning OnShape yet (which I hear is the one to use) - ... and ProtoCase.

Protocase is a small company... from CANADA! Woo! Nova Scotia to be precise. They seem to specialize in small runs of industrial and other one-off PC Case designs. However, they have been receptive so far. They claim that my design would remain mine, that no design information would be given to 3rd parties, and even say they'd sign and NDA as to not disclose my design.

But.. should I trust them? Are there alternative companies? I dont have a quote from them yet, because an estimate based on dimensions and parts would probably reveal at least some of the design ideas. The price... is going to be a LOT. I think. I'm sorta assuming at least $1000 for a single case, and that may even be on the low-end.

This thread will remain open for a while, hopefully with updates as they come.

PS:
Also WILL be FINALLY working on build logs again soon, and will post post here.

Stay tuned?
Click to expand...
The only smart answer to your question is "consult a lawyer". You'll need specific terms and structure if you want to claim ownership of any IP/design. An IP lawyer likely isn't cheap.
 
From memory (I'm not a lawyer) NDAs can be notoriously hard to enforce in Canada depending on the circumstances.
 
Suppose it depends what your goal is as well... is this just a one off for your personal use, or you're planning on starting your own company?

Protocase doesn't really seem a competitor in the consumer computer case market. Seems unlikely they'd steal your design, especially if you both agree to a NDA.
 
xentr_thread_starter
Thanks for the feedback so far, will look into some more of the legal stuff when time permits.

Are there any alternatives to Protocase? I haven't seen anything else really... you either 3D print a case, buy what someone else made... or Protocase? Seems fairly unique, and probably my only shot at getting this case made.

I'm not really looking to make a company tbh. Would've been nice if Raijintek had stayed on-board (anyone got any contacts with them or other case makers?), as they could've brought my design to market. Hell, they could've done it with my blessing. My financial situation, despite my recent gaffe, is stable enough. I'm living decently enough on medical retirement, but I ESPECIALLY dont want stress.

I just want a case that can do what I want it to do. Some more recent designs have been close... ish? But no one seems to want to go all-in on a design like mine. It's always compromised somehow, silly choices, limited in some way.

Anyways. I'll try to do some research about intellectual property and such, but all I'd ever really want is get a small nod of recognition. And, you know, for the case to exist... so I can use it haha

Will keep this thread going with updates. 👍
 
USA based, but I think this is the only other one I've ever seen mentioned: https://www.sliger.com/

I know you have a 3D printer, but I'd say it's a lot of work to get that all setup and printing nicely. You could always just look into having somebody else print it for you too with a more industrial sized printer.
 
CMetaphor said:
Thanks for the feedback so far, will look into some more of the legal stuff when time permits.

Are there any alternatives to Protocase? I haven't seen anything else really... you either 3D print a case, buy what someone else made... or Protocase? Seems fairly unique, and probably my only shot at getting this case made.

I'm not really looking to make a company tbh. Would've been nice if Raijintek had stayed on-board (anyone got any contacts with them or other case makers?), as they could've brought my design to market. Hell, they could've done it with my blessing. My financial situation, despite my recent gaffe, is stable enough. I'm living decently enough on medical retirement, but I ESPECIALLY dont want stress.

I just want a case that can do what I want it to do. Some more recent designs have been close... ish? But no one seems to want to go all-in on a design like mine. It's always compromised somehow, silly choices, limited in some way.

Anyways. I'll try to do some research about intellectual property and such, but all I'd ever really want is get a small nod of recognition. And, you know, for the case to exist... so I can use it haha

Will keep this thread going with updates. 👍
Click to expand...
Bring your files to a sheet metal shop. There they have sheets, they have lasers, brakes, everything you need to make a case. You will pay, but that is how it is with made to order.
 
xentr_thread_starter
JD said:
USA based, but I think this is the only other one I've ever seen mentioned: https://www.sliger.com/

I know you have a 3D printer, but I'd say it's a lot of work to get that all setup and printing nicely. You could always just look into having somebody else print it for you too with a more industrial sized printer.
Click to expand...
I did buy an Ender 5 all those years ago during covid specifically because I wanted the print volume it has. But its on a shelf, covered in parts and dust. Sigh. So much to do...

I AM going to learn OnShape (unless yall have a better CAD / 3D software suggestion) because I've seen many use it online and it seems fairly standardized. Used in YT channels that build custom vehicles and 3D printing alike. Maybe once I'm decent at it I could consider 3D printing.. some of it?

My design has some unique features that very much Require steel -level strength. So it might be possible to print some of it, perhaps with carbon filament or similar, but other parts will Need to be metal. Can't really get around that. 🤷‍♂️
 
xentr_thread_starter
Also: ProtoCase says they have a newbie -friendly CAD software, OnShape -based I believe, that offers up some pre-made PC parts to make the design easier. Things like IO panel cutouts, PCIe slots, motherboard mounting hole patterns, mobo plate cutouts, etc. 🤷‍♂️
 
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