Some builds push creativity. Others push engineering.
This one did both.
For a client’s thesis project, we were asked to create a custom Raspberry Pi enclosure based on a ruby-shaped concept. The client supplied a reference image — a faceted gemstone silhouette — and from there, it was our job to design a chassis that wasn’t just eye-catching, but also fully functional as a working electronic housing.
Designing the Ruby
The shape may look simple at a glance, but turning a gemstone silhouette into a clean, printable, and structurally sound enclosure meant redesigning it from the inside out.
We modelled the case to include:
Proper clearances for all Raspberry Pi ports
Ventilation pathways for airflow
Internal fastener points that wouldn’t interrupt the exterior geometry
Magnet mounts using Neodymium N35 NdFeB 8×5 mm magnets for a clean open–close mechanism
Everything had to work together: the angles, the seams, the structure, the magnet fit — all without breaking the iconic ruby silhouette.
Printing the Gem
Printed in red filament, the chassis came out clean and bold, perfectly matching the client’s desired form factor.
Total print time: 5 hours
Material: Red filament
Hardware: Neodymium N35 NdFeB circular magnets (8×5 mm)
Despite its sharp geometry, the print was optimized for strength, minimizing weak points and ensuring the enclosure could withstand repeated opening, closing, and handling.
Why It Matters
Custom enclosures show the real power of 3D printing — merging aesthetic vision with technical functionality.
A concept that starts as a picture can become a working, durable, and uniquely styled electronic housing.
For FlareLab, builds like this showcase what happens when design and utility meet halfway: a print that looks good, works well, and stands out.
Materials Used
Red Filament
Magnet Neodymium N35 NdFeB Circular 8×5 mm
Final Thoughts
This Ruby-Shaped Raspberry Pi Chassis proves that style doesn’t have to sacrifice function. With smart modeling, proper ventilation, and magnet-ready engineering, even a gemstone-inspired concept can become a clean, practical enclosure — straight from screen to print.