Senior Design Projects Come to Life at the MakerLab

Every semester, ECE 445 (Senior Design) students face a common challenge: their electronics projects need professional-looking enclosures that protect components and allow for proper mounting. This semester, Emma DiBiase turned to the MakerLab to solve exactly that problem.

The Project

Emma's senior design project required a custom enclosure measuring 176mm x 132mm x 132mm—larger than many standard project boxes and with specific requirements that ruled out off-the-shelf solutions. The enclosure needed precise print settings to ensure structural integrity:

• 0.6mm nozzle with 0.3mm layer height for speed and strength
• 20% infill for balanced weight and durability
• 3 wall line count with 1.6mm wall thickness
• 5 top and bottom layers for a clean finish

Why Engineering Students Choose 3D Printing

For senior design projects, presentation matters almost as much as function. A well-designed enclosure demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail that evaluators notice. 3D printing gives students the ability to create enclosures that:

• Fit their exact component dimensions
• Include custom mounting points and cutouts
• Match their project's aesthetic requirements
• Can be iterated quickly if changes are needed

Working on a senior design project or capstone? The MakerLab is here to help you create professional enclosures, mounts, and custom components. Submit your order online or stop by during lab hours!