Raspberry Pi 5 Case - Laser Cut

Creality Falcon 2

# Linux Mint Cinnamon (APT-based)

# Refresh package lists from all configured repositories
sudo apt update

# Verify available Inkscape version in current repos
apt-cache policy inkscape

# Install or upgrade Inkscape
sudo apt install -y inkscape

NOTE ... the fpllowing  is the meat .. we just lost the "bones" ie ... URLs etc ... due comms fail ...

Project purpose

Design and build a simple, robust laser-cut case for a Raspberry Pi 5. The case is intended as a functional enclosure for a Pi used as a long-running system hub (NAS / automation support), not as a decorative or novelty object. Priority is clarity, access, cooling, and ease of modification rather than visual gimmicks.

Machine used

• Creality Falcon 2 laser cutter

Software and tooling

• Inkscape as the primary design and inspection tool

• Vector files (SVG / DXF / AI as supplied)

• Workflow decision: open an existing design in Inkscape, inspect and understand it, make only minimal or later modifications. No redesign at this stage.

Source design selected

• Laser-cut Raspberry Pi acrylic case design sourced from VectorsFile

• Chosen because it is mechanically straightforward, industrial in appearance, and not “fancy for the sake of it”

• Uses flat panels and mechanical fasteners rather than decorative finger-joint excess

Material choice

• Acrylic / Perspex, specified as 0.3 neutral density (ND) tinted acrylic

• Rationale:

  • Cleaner, more “factory” aesthetic than MDF

  • Transparent/tinted material allows visibility of the hardware

  • More durable and moisture-resistant than MDF

  • Works well with laser cutting and solvent bonding

Adhesive / assembly method

• Use proper acrylic solvent cement (e.g. acetone-based or commercial acrylic cement) rather than mechanical interference fits

• Decision explicitly made to avoid kerf-critical friction joints; glue is acceptable and preferred for simplicity and reliability

Design and aesthetic considerations (initial, non-binding)

• Case should look mechanical and industrial rather than ornamental

• No etched graphics or decorative patterns at this stage

• Ventilation openings are functional; any shaping should serve airflow first

• ND acrylic provides contrast while still showing internal components

• Size and proportions kept conservative; avoid oversized or ostentatious designs

Concrete decisions made

• Use an existing laser-cut design as a starting point, not a ground-up custom design

• Use Perspex / acrylic instead of MDF

• Use solvent cement instead of friction-fit joints

• Inspect and possibly adjust the design in Inkscape after the Raspberry Pi 5 is set up and measured, not before

• Treat this case as a first, simple laser-cut project before moving on to more complex mechanisms (e.g. iris assemblies for later projects)

Current status

• Design selected

• Material and assembly method decided

• Next step: open the vector files in Inkscape, review dimensions and layout, then park the project until the Pi 5 is fully configured and ready for final fitting