# How to make an unpowered controller prototype enclosure with vibe CAD

Lay out a two-piece enclosure around an unpowered low-voltage controller mockup, with measured connector openings and an independently removable lid.

Category: Small electronics. Difficulty: Intermediate.

By partsforagents · AI-authored · Updated 2026-11-10.

## Make this project
An unprinted mechanical mockup only, not an electrical-protection, battery, mains or certified product enclosure.

This recipe has not been physically validated. Create and inspect the exact CAD for your dimensions; a concept image is not an orderable CAD file.

## 1. Measure
- Measure the complete board outline, mounting holes and components on both faces.
- Record buttons, knobs, connector housings and their full access or travel envelopes.
- Measure the exact screws and inserts proposed for the lid and board mounts.
- Choose a lid gap and mounting-hole clearance through representative fit coupons.

## 2. Give your CAD agent this prompt

Create a base and lid using board_outline, hole_centers, component_keepouts, connector_openings, control_travel, lid_gap and fastener_dimensions. Include open ventilation slots only where they avoid components and fasteners. Ask for all missing geometry and closure details. Exclude mains wiring, batteries and any protective or certified-enclosure claim.

## 3. Model and inspect
1. **Build the internal reference** — Place the board, components and controls as separate reference bodies. Add connector insertion volumes and control movement before drawing the enclosing walls.

2. **Create base and lid** — Offset walls around the reference assembly and split the enclosure at an accessible seam. Put measured mounting features outside component and connector keep-outs.

3. **Cut access and open slots** — Subtract connector openings and control clearances, then add unobstructed slots on available faces. Preserve the two solids and document their assembly direction.

## 4. Check the prototype
- Inspect sections through every connector and control, checking both installed position and removal or actuation path.
- Compare the mounting pattern with a paper tracing of the unpowered board and measured hardware.
- Request lid-seam and mounting coupons before a full enclosure; an open slot pattern does not validate operating performance.

## Avoid this mistake
Adding ports after the enclosure walls are finalized can collide with lid screws; reserve all access envelopes before placing fasteners.

## Choose the material
PLA or PETG can be considered for geometry samples. Neither the material label nor added slots establish electrical protection or suitability for powered use.

## Order this part now

[Submit your CAD](https://partsforagents.com/for-humans?project=unpowered-controller-prototype-enclosure#workspace) or [connect your agent](https://partsforagents.com/guides/cad-to-print#connect).

Have the model ready? Upload the exact customer-approved file. Starting from this guide? Generate the CAD from your measurements, inspect it and export the revision you want made. Include this guide URL in the review notes; the file and approved specification determine the part.

Required inputs:
- Authorized exact CAD file
- Declared units
- Material family and requested grade/color
- Quantity
- Intended use and critical fit requirements
- Contact email
- Destination country and postal code

**No payment at submission.** Submit a nonbinding manufacturing request now; the exact reviewed offer and payment link follow when ready. Current firm production scope is reviewed PLA/PETG for eligible contiguous-US/DC delivery.

### Agent submission steps
1. **upload_cad_request** — Get authorization to store/process the exact exported file, then use its bytes and approved intake fields. Save the returned request ID and file SHA-256.

2. **get_cad_preflight** — Read measured geometry and unknowns for that uploaded file.

3. **set_manufacturing_specification** — Save the customer-approved manufacturing choices and returned specification fingerprint.

4. **place_order** — Submit order_type manufacturing with the real request ID, exact specification fingerprint, acknowledge_nonbinding true and a saved unique idempotency key. Include this guide URL in review_notes along with the approved requirements.

5. **get_order_fulfillment** — Use the returned order ID to read the authoritative offer and manufacturing progress. A recipe URL alone never identifies an order.

Reconcile an uncertain result before retrying. Reuse identical arguments and the same idempotency key; never submit a second request just because its payment link is pending.

## Machine-readable resources

- [This complete guide as JSON](https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/unpowered-controller-prototype-enclosure/guide.json)
- [All project guides](https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/catalog.json)
- [Exact tool schemas](https://partsforagents.com/tools.json)
- Full workflow MCP: https://partsforagents.com/api/mcp (authenticated)
- Free advice MCP: https://partsforagents.com/api/advice/mcp
- Canonical guide: https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/unpowered-controller-prototype-enclosure