For some, a loud PC is just an annoyance. However for others, that very same PC could possibly be a a lot larger concern. Somebody that information audio, for instance, can not tolerate any noise that might compromise a recording. That was true for Jón Schone, proprietor of the Correct Printing YouTube channel. However somewhat than settle for defeat, he turned to the time-honored custom of IKEA hacking to create a stealth PC enclosure.
Schone’s PC followers have been too loud and that was inflicting points when he wished to report in his workplace or take part in Zoom calls. His resolution was to transform a cheap IKEA cupboard into the last word soundproofed PC enclosure. In fact, that didn’t imply he might simply ignore cooling and so this required some intelligent engineering.
The essential concept was easy: line the inside surfaces of an IKEA cupboard with foam soundproofing panels to forestall any PC fan noise from escaping. Schone did precisely that, however went overboard with the implementation. To maintain the underside of the cupboard coated in foam panels and keep away from contact noise, he positioned the PC on a wooden platform that hangs suspended from the cupboard’s ceiling. Cables run by means of 3D-printed grommets made in a mix of TPU and ABS.
There wanted to be vents for airflow, however Shone didn’t need mud getting inside. Nonetheless, he couldn’t merely laser-cut commonplace vent filter materials, as a result of that tends to be fabricated from PVC. To know why laser-cutting that may be a problem, sort “chlorine gasoline” into your favourite search engine. Fortunately, Schone acquired a very good tip from Josef Prusa himself, suggesting that he print the vent body and filter as a single unit. By modeling the filter as a stable sheet, he might then make the most of the slicer infill settings to print a positive mesh. Apparently Prusa is aware of 3D printing, as a result of that labored nicely.
Shone additionally acquired intelligent with a refrigerator-style mild change that activates inside LED lighting when both cupboard door opens. That works due to a 3D-printed “mechanical OR change.” It accommodates a usually closed electrical change and when both door opens, the change arm can transfer sufficient to launch strain on the change and energy will move to the LEDs.
The ultimate trick was a distant energy change made utilizing a wi-fi digicam shutter launch. It lets Shone press the ability button with out bodily accessing the PC case inside the cupboard. Better of all, its 3D-printed enclosure acquired a lovely metallic coating due to the electroplating skills of YouTuber HEN3DRIK.
Sadly, all of that work didn’t remedy the issue. It seems that Shone’s PC was noisy as a result of he selected the unsuitable followers and even this cupboard couldn’t cease the sound. However after changing the followers (and AIO cooler), Schone now has a pleasant, quiet workplace.