Need to design a custom laptop case!

[chylld83]

Hi all,

I'm trying to design a custom case for a laptop-based system I've made for work.

The case will need to have inside a 14-15" laptop, an inkjet printer (canon iP90v / iP100 / similar), an eftpos terminal (approx 15 x 8 x 5 cm) and all related power supplies (all powered by an externally-mounted fused IEC socket.)

Currently I've managed to do this using some $25 toolboxes from bunnings which are carry-on size, however they are a bit bulky and you need to take the printer and eftpos terminal out before you can open the laptop, since they sit on top of it.

Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can design it better, or possibly some companies that will contract this sort of job? e.g. someone like Everlite but can also do some electronic wiring...

Any help appreciated!

[silverbullet]

I'd make an MDF outter box and then put in MDF ribs to make compartment to seperate everything nad then head to Clark Rubber and by some grey high density foam and line all the compartment with it and the lid and use snap latches on the lid and cut in recess handles on the sides.

The MDF can be painted with a special undercoat that seals and smooths it nicely then you put your colour over the top after a light sand you could then get some company decals made up to go on and then drop it off at a spray booth for a few coats of clear if thats your thing.

[chylld83]

Originally Posted by silverbullet

I'd make an MDF outter box and then put in MDF ribs to make compartment to seperate everything nad then head to Clark Rubber and by some grey high density foam and line all the compartment with it and the lid and use snap latches on the lid and cut in recess handles on the sides.

The MDF can be painted with a special undercoat that seals and smooths it nicely then you put your colour over the top after a light sand you could then get some company decals made up to go on and then drop it off at a spray booth for a few coats of clear if thats your thing.

Thanks for the suggestion. I was about to reply saying that MDF is too heavy (given that we need 6mm minimum for strength) but I did the calculations for a 15 x 30 x 45 cm box and the weight comes out to just 2kg. The best professional custom-made case is estimated to come in at 3-3.5kg, and it's made of some special high-strength corrugated plastic type material.

MDF seems like a real possibility then. I'll give it a closer look, thanks!