Distribution plates/reservoirs

Dirk Diggler · 17 Jan 2019 at 16:43

I think maybe we could simplify the reservoir first as it consumes a lot of the space. Here's a wee idea:

Remove the reservoir and affix a plate to the inside rear. Could this plate be used as a reservoir too? You'll see that I would need 2 off G1/4 ports on the rear that would cater for the external loop. One of the rear ports would connect to the reservoir and the other would connect to a port on the inside that the GPU outlet would connect to. Another port on the inside would connect to the reservoir and the pump inlet would screw into that one.

Does that make sense? By the way, here's some current photographs.

Dirk Diggler · 17 Jan 2019 at 19:25

Here's a crude layout diagram...

Smffy · 17 Jan 2019 at 19:58

I’ve got a number of designs, too big for A4 but if you want you can knock up a basic res in CAD smaller in no time.

Can your laser cut aluminium? (Thin) in need of some discs for fans which I was just going to get done with a new board tray for a few quid extra but since you owe me £4 and a coffee

LePhuronn · 17 Jan 2019 at 22:29

You'll need a fibre laser to cut metal, although CO2 lasers about 150W can cut 1mm steel with serious oxygen assist.

LuckyBenski · 17 Jan 2019 at 22:36

LePhuronn said:
You'll need a fibre laser to cut metal, although CO2 lasers about 150W can cut 1mm steel with serious oxygen assist.

Yep just read up on it and learned this. Thanks

Smffy said:
I’ve got a number of designs, too big for A4 but if you want you can knock up a basic res in CAD smaller in no time.

Can your laser cut aluminium? (Thin) in need of some discs for fans which I was just going to get done with a new board tray for a few quid extra but since you owe me £4 and a coffee

You drive a hard bargain

I'm looking into adhesive sheets of foil type stuff... Main supplier requires account activation before showing prices so that's 24 hours to wait!

My laser does 300x600mm but the CNC mills I'm looking at are closer to A4. I'm gonna try at least one or two laser cut ones before I'm ready for milling.

LuckyBenski · 17 Jan 2019 at 22:37

String said:
Here's a crude layout diagram...

These look good! I'll scratch my head a bit and figure out if it can be constructed from thinner sheets. How do you feel about satin black acrylic? I've done vanity plates and PSU shrouds out of that before.

Dirk Diggler · 18 Jan 2019 at 07:59

LuckyBenski said:
These look good! I'll scratch my head a bit and figure out if it can be constructed from thinner sheets. How do you feel about satin black acrylic? I've done vanity plates and PSU shrouds out of that before.

Satin black would be fine, although the reservoir section would have to be clear acrylic in order to monitor water level. The actual volume of water isn't too important, as long as the pump has a gravity fed supply for initial filling. The filling of the current system is a real PITA.

Smffy · 18 Jan 2019 at 08:03

LuckyBenski said:
Yep just read up on it and learned this. Thanks

You drive a hard bargain I'm looking into adhesive sheets of foil type stuff... Main supplier requires account activation before showing prices so that's 24 hours to wait!

My laser does 300x600mm but the CNC mills I'm looking at are closer to A4. I'm gonna try at least one or two laser cut ones before I'm ready for milling.

I mean I have a design which is about 300x450 but unfinished, can always knock up something in CAD if you draw out measurements.

You mean stick on aluminium style a bit like the vinyl? Was wondering if there was a maker type place in central London you could rent time with the kit but doesn’t look like it.

LuckyBenski · 18 Jan 2019 at 08:35

String said:
Satin black would be fine, although the reservoir section would have to be clear acrylic in order to monitor water level. The actual volume of water isn't too important, as long as the pump has a gravity fed supply for initial filling. The filling of the current system is a real PITA.

I figured something like a clear piece sandwiched between black could allow checking of fill levels. Worried it might need an LED to see it though. Will mock up some pieces. In the meantime can you sketch up the dimensions of the 3/4 fittings and main plate sizes? I also feel like you've got the inside and outside reservoir ports' heights mixed up, maybe I've misunderstood.

@Smffy all the maker spaces seem to be in zone 2/3 like Hackney and Willesden sort of way

4D Model Shop and Cut Laser Cut are zone 1 but services rather than workshops. Yep, like a vinyl type thing but obviously needs to look good.

Dirk Diggler · 18 Jan 2019 at 09:15

LuckyBenski said:
I also feel like you've got the inside and outside reservoir ports' heights mixed up, maybe I've misunderstood.

Yes, you're right. The inside port can actually be any height within reason but I'll size it to be in line with the pump inlet.

I'll get a proper sketch done later.

Dirk Diggler · 18 Jan 2019 at 12:46

Basic dimensions here; fill port as far across as possible.

As far as the outlets etc.. are concerned, I think I would have to hold it in position and mark them up - measuring them would leave room for error.

LuckyBenski · 18 Jan 2019 at 16:28

String said:
Basic dimensions here; fill port as far across as possible.

As far as the outlets etc.. are concerned, I think I would have to hold it in position and mark them up - measuring them would leave room for error.

So I reckon i could make that from three pieces, with 10mm clear in the middle to allow some liquid visibility.

I'm not too sure about putting a fill port on the top as it would mean drilling and tapping through a join in sheets. Don't know whether this would be at risk of splitting, either while drill/tapping or when tightening fittings. I guess you could place a 90° fitting in while you fill...

Other than that, I reckon this is ok to cut this weekend. If you want to use the 80mm fan mount holes I'd have to get a smaller tap, M3 or M4, think I have one at my mum's. And yet to order a relevant glue.

If you could somehow extract the measurements for the external ports etc that'd be awesome

LuckyBenski · 18 Jan 2019 at 16:30

Forgot to add a pic; the blue shows the cavities in the clear, red rings are internal ports and black are external. Hope it's not too unclear. 5mm black sandwiched on 10mm clear, i was thinking:

Dirk Diggler · 18 Jan 2019 at 16:44

@LuckyBenski that looks good. As for the 90 bend for filling, that's making sense so no issues - I've got a EK fill bottle with a straw on the cap, for easy filling. The internal ports will be easy as they aren't exact (I'll be tubing to them) but the external ports will need to be spot on. The 80mm fan fixings will be ideal for fixing it in place, unless you can think of a better method?

I'll unhook the external loop tomorrow and place some cardboard in there to mark up a template.

Dirk Diggler · 19 Jan 2019 at 11:20

Have marked a template up, any initial thoughts/issues? I could only mark 2 of the fixing holes due to access, but can sit a 80mm fan over for a template.

Smffy · 19 Jan 2019 at 12:09

Initial roughs of a custom NVLink cover (took the Nvidia one apart) if you want a small test of lasering out anything. I’m not sure you can laser the depth in to it though... ignore the logo on the top was gonna do some RTX On meme

LuckyBenski · 19 Jan 2019 at 12:46

Smffy said:
Initial roughs of a custom NVLink cover (took the Nvidia one apart) if you want a small test of lasering out anything. I’m not sure you can laser the depth in to it though... ignore the logo on the top was gonna do some RTX On meme

Can't do depth unless it's just lines, maybe could rig something up using layers. I'm guessing you want it clear? Can't wait for CNC milling to be a thing!

String said:
Have marked a template up, any initial thoughts/issues? I could only mark 2 of the fixing holes due to access, but can sit a 80mm fan over for a template.

This looks perfect, if you can give me some critical dimensions I should be able to get a decently accurate layout. If you trace the other fan holes, I imagine you can get horizontal and vertical relative measurements to the ports?

Dirk Diggler · 19 Jan 2019 at 12:47

LuckyBenski said:
Can't do depth unless it's just lines, maybe could rig something up using layers. I'm guessing you want it clear? Can't wait for CNC milling to be a thing!

This looks perfect, if you can give me some critical dimensions I should be able to get a decently accurate layout. If you trace the other fan holes, I imagine you can get horizontal and vertical relative measurements to the ports?

I could post the template to you?

LuckyBenski · 19 Jan 2019 at 12:57

String said:
I could post the template to you?

Yeah that's ideal actually, was probably in too much of a hurry to make something this weekend. There's other experiments I can do

Will trust you my address.

Smffy · 19 Jan 2019 at 13:12

LuckyBenski said:
Can't do depth unless it's just lines, maybe could rig something up using layers. I'm guessing you want it clear? Can't wait for CNC milling to be a thing!

You are useless aren’t you... I will probably get it machined in either black or possibly solid aluminium. 12mm thick so not impossible...