01Recommended
FDM · PETG
Tougher and more heat-tolerant than PLA, and prints reliably. The safe default for most electronics cases.
- Detail
- 2/5
- Strength
- 4/5
- Large parts
- 5/5
- Cost efficiency
- 5/5
Use Case · Enclosures
FDMFor electronics enclosures,
clearance and material are key
An enclosure has to fit PCBs, connectors and screws precisely and survive the heat of the device. FDM is enough for most cases; consider resin when surface quality matters, such as appearance prototypes.
Quick answer
Most electronics enclosures work well in FDM PETG; use ABS for cases that get hot or live in a vehicle, PC when more strength is needed, and SLA resin for smooth display mock-ups. Design FDM walls 1.6–2.4 mm thick and leave 0.2–0.4 mm clearance where PCBs and lids fit.
By Seo Jeongju, CEO of WOW3DLast updated First published
Recommended process & material
02Heat & durability
FDM · ABS / PC
Use ABS for cases near motors, power supplies or inside cars; PC when you need even more strength.
- Detail
- 2/5
- Strength
- 4/5
- Large parts
- 5/5
- Cost efficiency
- 5/5
03Appearance prototype
SLA resin · Standard / Tough resin
For investor or exhibition mock-ups, print in SLA and paint for a clean finish.
- Detail
- 5/5
- Strength
- 3/5
- Large parts
- 3/5
- Cost efficiency
- 3/5
General tendencies on a 5-point scale. Real results depend on geometry, size and material.
Design checklist
5 items- 1
Aim for 1.6–2.4mm walls with FDM. Thinner walls can warp or crack.
- 2
Leave 0.2–0.4mm clearance where PCBs or lids fit in. A zero-clearance design may not assemble.
- 3
Make screw bosses 2–2.5× the screw diameter; for self-tapping screws make the hole 0.3–0.5mm smaller than the screw.
- 4
Snap-fit hooks work best in flexible materials such as PETG, and should not be loaded across the layer lines.
- 5
Make vent and connector openings about 0.5mm larger than the actual part.
Sample price
One 100×80×40mm case (FDM)
- Example size
- 100×80×40mm
- Recommended method
- FDM
- Quantity
- 1 pcs
- Shape
- Thin enclosure
We have pre-filled the price calculator with 100×80×40mm. Change the size, material and quantity to compare prices.
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Real Output
Real 3D printing work by WOW3D
Parts we printed in-house on FDM, SLA and DLP machines. See more in the print gallery.
Mac mini storage tray
FDM · PLA
Small electronic components
FDM · PETG
Bluetooth speaker housing
FDM · PLA
Shoe-brush production jig
FDM · ABS
Frequently asked questions
QCan I upload the top and bottom shells separately?
Yes. Upload several files or place them together in one file. Ordering mating parts in the same material and color keeps the result consistent.
QCan you add threaded inserts?
Design holes for heat-set inserts and you can press them in after printing. If you need us to install them, add it to the quote notes.
QCan I make a few units before mass production?
You can order from a single unit, and we also quote small batches of tens to hundreds of parts.