Newsletter Archive

Open Colorimeter hardware design update

Design of a new 3D-printed enclosure for the Open Colorimeter using FreeCAD

Here we describe the designs for a 3D printed enclosure for our new Open Colorimeter. This standalone, portable colorimeter is suitable for lab and field measurements. We expect to have a limited number available in our Online Store soon. If you are interested, sign-up to our Colorimeter notification form below so you don't miss product notifications and other offers!

FreeCAD Designs

We have been using FreeCAD for 3D hardware designs as described in this previous Newsletter. In this project we used the KiCad StepUp workbench to import a 3D model of the Sensor and LED PCBs from KiCad and the A2plus Workbench to create an assembly of the complete enclosure. We also used a 3D model of the PyBadge made available at Adafruit CAD Parts on github.

Open Hardware files: https://github.com/iorodeo/open_colorimeter_enclosure

Enclosure components

The enclosure consists of two components - a base and cover.

Base: 3D printed part which includes two sections for i) mounting the battery and PyBadge and ii) mounting the cuvette holder. There are cutouts for cables and for access to the PyBadge's on/off switch and USB connector.

The cover shown below has cut outs for the PyBadge's display, buttons, LEDs, and sensors. In addition there are holes for the mounting screws in each corner.

Assembly Images

The FreeCAD A2plus Workbench was used to create an assembly of the complete Open Colorimeter.

Parts

3D printed base and cover (described above)
3D printed cuvette holder (plus light-blocking cap)
Adafruit PyBadge
Colorimeter electronics: Light Sensor board & IO Rodeo LED board
Battery and hardware (nuts, screws and rubber feet) not shown

Below is an exploded view of all the components (minus battery).

Exploded view of Open Colorimeter components

Assembly Step Images

The Battery (not shown) and PyBadge sit in the enclosure base as shown here

The cover is placed over the PyBadge. Four corner screws (not shown) are used to fasten everything in place.

Next the 3D printed cuvette holder with mounted electronics (green) and removable light-blocking cap (blue) are mounted onto the base and secured in place with 4 screws.

Final assembled images

Next steps: We are currently manufacturing and testing the Open Colorimeter prototypes and we will have a limited number available in our Online Store soon. Sign-up to get on our early-bird list to receive product notifications and other offers in the Google Form at the top of this page!