HW2 3D Printed Control Box – Integrated LCD, Buttons, and Main Board

[206cc]

HW2 3D Printed Control Box

I recently designed a 3D printed control box for PicoBETH HW2, and the initial testing has been completed.

This design combines the LCD screen, control buttons, and main control board into one control box. This makes the overall layout more compact and cleaner, and also reduces the need for extra brackets.

It can be used directly with the original HW2 structure, but it is also suitable for many custom DIY builds. For users who want to modify the mechanical structure or change the controller position, this control box can make the installation of the LCD, button module, and main control board much easier.

The overall design uses a compact layout to make better use of the limited space. I hope this makes DIY assembly more intuitive and easier, while also making the machine look more like an integrated device.

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Required Parts

The required parts are listed below:

Item	Quantity	Notes
M3 x 5 mm self-tapping screws for plastic	9 pcs	Used to fix the main control board, LCD, and button board
2.5 mm cable ties	2 pcs	Used to secure the internal cables

It is recommended to use M3 self-tapping screws suitable for plastic parts.
If you use regular M3 machine screws, they may not hold firmly unless metal nuts or heat-set inserts are used.

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LCD Versions

There are currently two LCD versions available:

• 2004A
• 2004C

Both versions have the same resolution and display content. The main difference is the physical size of the LCD module.

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2004A Version

The 2004A LCD is the main LCD used in the original HW2 project. It is also the most common and easiest version to find.

This version provides two different top cover styles:

TYPE A

TYPE A covers the black frame around the LCD and only leaves the display area visible.

The overall look is cleaner and simpler, making the LCD look more like it is fully integrated into the control panel.

TYPE B

TYPE B keeps the black frame around the LCD visible.

Visually, this makes the LCD display area feel larger and looks closer to the original LCD module appearance.

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2004C Version

The 2004C can be seen as a larger version of the 2004A.

Its resolution and display content are exactly the same as the 2004A. The only difference is that the LCD panel itself is larger. I happened to have purchased a 2004C for testing before, so I also designed a matching control box version for it.

Since the 2004C module is already quite large, only the TYPE A version is currently available.

Important Notes for 2004C Version

When using the 2004C version, please note the following:

• The button cable needs to be changed to a 15 cm cable.
• After assembly, please make sure the internal wires do not interfere with the movement of the sliding platform.

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Internal Wiring and Assembly Reference

The following photos show the internal installation and wiring layout of the control box. You can use them as a reference during assembly to check the position of each part and the direction of the cables.

The inside of the control box has been designed with basic wiring space while still keeping the overall size compact. The design also tries to keep future maintenance as easy as possible.

The LCD, button board, and main control board are fixed separately. This means that if you need to check, repair, or replace one part later, you do not need to remove the entire assembly.

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Assembly Steps

It is recommended to assemble the control box in the following order:

1. Place the main control board inside the control box and fix it with screws.
2. Apply double-sided tape to the bottom of the control box.
3. Install the LCD and button board onto the control panel and fix them with screws.
4. Pass the sensor wires through the reserved holes.
5. Attach the control box body to the HW2 platform.
6. Connect all cables and make sure the cable direction is correct.
7. Use cable ties to organize and secure the internal wires.
8. Connect the LCD cable and button board cable.
9. Put the control panel cover onto the control box body.
10. After assembly is complete, enter HW TEST mode again and make sure every sensor and button works correctly.

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Important Check Before Use

After assembly, please perform a full check before using the machine.

This is especially important for the larger 2004C version. Please manually rotate the screw rod and move the sliding platform through its full travel range once. Make sure the signal wires and cables are not pulled, stuck, or interfering with any moving parts.

If the wires are blocked or pulled during movement, it may cause sensor signal problems, wire damage, or affect the normal movement of the sliding platform.

2004C

2004A

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3D Files Download

Thingiverse download page:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7354859

You are also welcome to share your own modifications, extended versions, and user experience.

[206cc]

I have updated the design to V1.1.

Changelog

• Improved the button positioning accuracy for better fit and alignment.
• Improved the internal light-blocking structure around the LCD area to reduce LCD backlight interference with the LED display area.

The public Tinkercad design is available here:

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/fk8RGcbTY4e-picobeth-hw2-control-box-v11