1. General Task
1.1. A 3D model of a stand for 3D printing for the Dell Precision 3280 Compact Mini needs to be developed.
1.2. The stand should be used for vertical placement of the mini-PC on a desk.
1.3. In terms of external design, the stand should resemble the attached references:
- rectangular low frame;
- side edges for securing the case;
- open central part;
- ventilation grid / ribs / perforation;
- neat beveled or rounded edges;
- recesses for rubber anti-slip pads on the bottom.
1.4. Unlike a regular stand, the design needs to integrate a mount for a 2.5" HDD with a thickness of 15 mm.
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2. Device for which the stand is made
2.1. Mini-PC: Dell Precision 3280 Compact Mini.
2.2. The stand should hold the mini-PC vertically, similar to the attached photo with the actual Dell.
2.3. It is important not to obstruct:
- the front panel;
- the rear panel;
- the ports;
- the ventilation areas of the case;
- access to the power button and ports.
2.4. The mini-PC should fit into the stand securely, without excessive play, but without being overly tight.
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3. Preliminary dimensions of the stand
3.1. The preliminary external dimensions of the stand, considering the edges:
- length: approximately 178 mm;
- width: approximately 80 mm;
- height: according to the actual design.
3.2. The height needs to be calculated so that a 15 mm thick HDD fits inside the bottom part of the stand, leaving ventilation gaps.
3.3. Exact dimensions can be clarified after measuring the Dell case, HDD, and adapter.
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4. Stand design
4.1. The base should be in the form of a rigid rectangular frame.
4.2. There should be edges/guides on the sides that hold the mini-PC in a vertical position.
4.3. The edges should be high enough to prevent the case from sliding, but should not cover unnecessary areas of the case.
4.4. The edges should preferably be rounded or beveled to avoid scratching the mini-PC case.
4.5. The central part of the stand should not be solid.
4.6. Preferred options for the central part:
- ventilation grid;
- diagonal ribs, as in one of the references;
- honeycomb perforation;
- elongated holes;
- or another open structure that maintains strength and provides good airflow.
4.7. The design should be calculated so that it can be printed on an FDM printer without complex supports or with minimal supports.
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5. Placement and mounting of the 2.5" HDD
5.1. The bottom part of the stand needs to provide space for a classic 2.5" HDD with a thickness of 15 mm.
5.2. The HDD should be mounted from below in a frame/slot, based on a sample that I will provide separately.
5.3. The HDD mounting should be simple and functional:
- the disk should not be loose;
- the disk should not fall out;
- there should be a way to remove or replace the disk;
- it is preferable to provide guides, stops, or a small frame for the disk.
5.4. It is advisable to leave a ventilation gap:
- above the HDD approximately 3–4 mm;
- below the HDD approximately 3–4 mm, if possible structurally.
5.5. The HDD should not be completely closed by plastic. Open areas for cooling need to be left.
5.6. If possible, consider a mounting option for the HDD through the standard side or bottom holes of the 2.5" disk. If this complicates the design, a simple frame/slot without screws can be made, but with a fixation against displacement.
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6. Connecting the HDD to the mini-PC
6.1. The HDD will connect via an adapter to the back of the mini-PC.
6.2. Therefore, free space should be left on the back panel of the Dell Precision 3280 Compact Mini for:
- the adapter port;
- the cable;
- the cable bend;
- connection to the back wall of the mini-PC.
6.3. The adapter should not touch the stand.
6.4. The cable should not be excessively bent.
6.5. The rear ports of the mini-PC should remain accessible.
6.6. The exact shape of the adapter, connection direction, and required gap will be shown separately in a photo.
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7. Ventilation
7.1. The main principle of the design is maximum passive ventilation and minimum unnecessary plastic.
7.2. Ventilation should be provided:
- in the central part of the stand;
- in the HDD area;
- at the front;
- at the back;
- at the bottom, if possible;
- around the adapter connection area.
7.3. It is preferable to use an open structure similar to the references:
- honeycomb;
- diagonal ribs;
- elongated holes;
- mesh structure;
- large perforation.
7.4. The design should not turn into a closed box, as there will be an HDD inside that needs cooling.
7.5. Priority: good passive airflow, rigidity of the structure, and stability.
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8. Recesses for rubber anti-slip pads
8.1. Recesses/seating places for rubber anti-slip pads need to be made on the bottom side of the stand.
8.2. Ideally, this should resemble the reference with round rubber feet.
8.3. Requirements:
- provide at least 4 seating places for rubber feet;
- the recesses should not be deep;
- the rubber pads should be neatly glued into these places;
- after gluing, the stand should stand stably on the table;
- it is preferable to place the feet closer to the corners for better stability.
8.4. The exact size of the rubber pads will be clarified separately or matched to the finished design.
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9. Material for printing
9.1. The model should be designed for printing with plastic that withstands temperatures around 50 °C.
9.2. Preferred materials:
- PETG;
- ASA;
- ABS.
9.3. PLA is undesirable if there is a risk of softening or deformation from heat.
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10. Requirements for the 3D model
10.1. The model must be suitable for real 3D printing.
10.2. Requirements:
- format in millimeters;
- correct geometry;
- normal wall thickness;
- absence of overly thin and fragile elements;
- absence of problematic overhanging areas;
- it is preferable to design for printing without supports or with minimal supports;
- the structure should be strong but not overly massive.
10.3. Special attention should be paid to strength in the areas:
- of the side edges;
- of the HDD slot;
- of the adapter connection area;
- of the corners of the stand;
- of the recesses for rubber feet.
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11. Output files
11.1. The following should be obtained:
- STL for 3D printing;
- STEP / STP for possible future editing;
- the project source file, if possible;
- several screenshots of the model before final export.
11.2. Before the final file, it is advisable to show a 3D preview to check:
- the fit of the mini-PC;
- the position of the HDD;
- the space for the adapter;
- the ventilation holes;
- the recesses for rubber feet;
- the overall shape of the stand.
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12. What will be provided to the performer
12.1. I will provide:
- photos of the actual Dell Precision 3280 Compact Mini;
- references for the stand;
- dimensions of the mini-PC;
- dimensions of the HDD;
- photos/dimensions of the adapter;
- an example of mounting the HDD from below;
- an example of the placement of rubber feet;
- additional measurements upon request.
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13. Briefly on the essence of the task
13.1. It is necessary to create not just an ordinary stand, but a functional frame stand for the vertical installation of the Dell Precision 3280 Compact Mini.
13.2. Inside/below the stand, a 2.5" HDD of 15 mm must be integrated.
13.3. Space must be left for connecting the HDD via an adapter to the back wall of the mini-PC.
13.4. The design should be maximally ventilated, stable, with recesses for rubber feet, and suitable for FDM 3D printing.
