Bill Owen here, from Mnpctech.com, we're modding the Ultra Microfly cube with a Simpsons inspired theme. This is just for fun!

I'm being joined on this project by my friend, Brad Copeland. Brad was my N+ certification teacher in 2003. Brads a huge fan of "The Simpsons" and never modded a case and thought it would be fun. So now I'm Brad's Teacher

My plan is to replace the front 80mm intake shown here with 2x 120mm fans


Characterized overkill cooling, perfect for "The Simpsons PC"


The Microfly comes with a factory 120mm exhaust fan. I'm going to punch out the perforated fan grill to improve airflow with a Greenlee knockout punch.

This method for making fan holes is quick and less messy than using a drill with a hole saw attachment. You get a fast and clean cut. Hand filing down jagged edges or burrs isn't neccessary.

Greenlee Knock out Punches
Greenlee part # 730EBB-120

Last time I inquired, they were around $450 in the states. In addition to the knock out punch, you need a 3/4" socket wrench (estimate $100), and 2" size socket (estimate $35) I wouldn't use anything less than 19" long socket wrench for good leverage. So estimated purchase price of this professional tool set between $550 - $600


Ultra Microfly Factory Perforated Fan Grill


First I cut out the center of the factory perforated grill to accomondate the shaft of the Greenlee Knock out Punch


The threaded cup portion of the Knock Out Punch goes inside the chassis first, then you thread the shaft into the cup until it's snug against the rear of the chassis. Then you crank the socket wrench as if you were tightening a large bolt until the Knock out Blade cuts through the metal.


Perforated Factory Grill removed quick!

Ooo man thats a pretty sweet set of tools there lol i wish i could get my hands on some of those!!! And i love the idea of a simpsons case i can't wait to see how it turns out!

*Mobz hands out the popcorn( or should that be donuts? ) and beer, sits back and looks forward to another Bill Owen masterpiece unfold*
Cool idea Bill, I don't think I've seen a Simpsons themed casemod yet, at least not a good one!
Any spoilers on the rest of the build??

Can't wait to see this Mod

Sorry about the lack of updates. I'm caught in a whirlwind of stuff to take care of.. To make up for it, I will post a video of our casual review of the microfly, with our initial plan and progress, as soon as my schedule allows to edit it. If you have never followed my projects outside of bit, I'd describe my style as "off the cuff" , I have an idea in my head and rarely sketch anything out first. I'll do something for you the viewer, not for my own needs. What I didn't share in the sketch is how the 2x 120mm fans will be mounted. You can't mount them inside the chassis without compromising the front/back support beams. I must warn you, the aluminum Ultra used is extremely rubbish, ..er, I mean thin. Hacking apart the chassis too much will make it extremely flimsy. My plan is to mill a new bezel (fascia) with the 2x 120mm fans tucked inside of that. As we get near that stage, you'll understand what I'm driving at.

i'll keep you updated!

Brad etching a window pane

Part 1 Ultra Microfly Simpsons case Mod Project Video

The "Marge Simpson" Blue chassis has been adorned with our new machined alum case feet were listed today in my case mod webstore These are 1-3/4" thick and machined on a HAAS lathe and finalized with diamond knurling

Bill, those feet look pretty sweet. I think I am going to have to find everthing I want to get off of your site and put in a order real soon...

Thank you Bro!!!, glad you dig them

Ya those case feet are awsome and i really like all of your supplies on your online shop i think im gonning to have to place a order soon =p

Quote: Originally Posted by xgeko2 Ya those case feet are awsome and i really like all of your supplies on your online shop i think im gonning to have to place a order soon =p

Thank you! we're rolling out the new ideas and products as fast as we can

Quote: Originally Posted by mnpctech Thank you! we're rolling out the new ideas and products as fast as we can

Do you have anything to tint plexi glass a dark blue? or know where i might be able to look?

^ don;t film it, buy translucent acrylic from Delvies Plastics Inc. - Plexiglass Sheet

A lot of folks asking about where to buy the Greenlee Knockout Punch, I've pasted their online catlog link and part # below




Greenlee Knock out Punches

http://www.mygreenlee.com/products/Holemaking.PDF


Greenlee part # 730EBB-120


For the casual modding enthusiast, they're real expensive. There are those guys like me who want the right tool for the job no matter what the cost, so I'll share my info.. I know if they occassionally appear on Ebay used for real good prices, under $200.. If you prefer new, last time I looked, the 120mm knockout dye sold for around $450 in the states. In order to use it, you need a 3/4" socket wrench and 2" socket.
I wouldn't use anything less than 19" long socket wrench so you have good leverage, so estimate your purchase will be the neighborhood of $550 for everything new + shipping.
I've heard you can also order them from Grainger.

Using Greenlee

We "attempted" to record a video tutorial on acrylic etching last night, but canned it.

Choosing Translucent Blue Acrylic was, I admit bold and different, but discovered you can see your results in Clear Acrylic much better

Stay tuned for further updates from Mnpctech Experimental Workshop


Mr Sparkle says "It's difficult to see thru this blue acrylic without good lighting"


You can't see anything :duh:

Quote: Originally Posted by mnpctech Mr Sparkle says "It's difficult to see thru this blue acrylic without good lighting"

Bill,

looks like you're running a backlight through that blue acrylic, which is the first thing I thought of when I read that it's hard to see without good lighting.

Have you tried different color bandwidths? IE, red, blue, green, yellow ... something other than white ... might provide a better contrast between what you've etched and what is untouched.

-godling

Excellent suggestion godling, I'll forward it to Brad

21 pound slab of 1.5" thick 6061 aluminum arrived

What are we gonna do this 21 pd slab of heavy metal?!

We're going to mill a new bezel/fascia with 2x 120mm intakes for the Microfly

In keeping with the Simpsons inspired theme, we'll either cover the swirl intake holes with Mr Sparkle heads or engrave Homer somewhere in the bezel

AutoCAD drawing of new bezel face

The Blue translucent acrylic didn't work so well for first etching, so we went back to the workbench last night, made another window, but Clear this time around

Etching Rotary Tool (or Dremel) Engraving Bits Used for "Homer Simpson"




You will achieve the best illuminated effect in your etched design by etching on the inside portion of the acylic, not the outside. So, if your design has text, you must be reverse the image before tracing it.

Using Diamond Engraving bit to draw sharp lines, like the "Duff" beer logo


Using Dremel attachment #107 for shading in Homer's mouth

I finally found the time to start editing the window etching portion of the upcoming part 2 video last night. Next I need footage of the bezel being milled this week and the test fitting, then I should have that video posted here

I love the show......I bet the case is going to be even better! Awsome work Bill.