Would you buy premium CNC dreamcast case in aluminum?

It would be WAY too expensive to do more than a few for those people that are super-duper interested. Not only would the starting block of aluminum be large and expensive, but the amount of material that would need to be removed from that block is insane. It would take forever (relatively) for each unit and one must also factor in the tool wear associated with removing that much material.

The finish would take a lot of work, too. Unless people enjoy (I would) the freshly-cut look (lots of swirls and tool marks, very rough and gritty).

 

It wouldn't be a practical thing to do especially one is made to replicate the exact look of the original plastic shell. Way too much material to hog out, not mentioning the resultant wall thickness will make the case prone to deforming. Also need to factor in multiple machine setups and work holding. Even an original shell design won't be cheap. As long it's a shell design, there's going to be a lot of material removal, a lot of machining time. Machining time is always expensive. All those material removed are also a huge waste. There's a reason metal casting is a more popular alternative. But even this require a substantial initial tooling investment. It's a cool thing to dream about, but realistically it's hard to make this happen economically.

 

What if the cases are pressed like car body parts? We don't know how these cases will be made but if pressed then they could be made in a matter of seconds. They'd be cheaper too. I'd love a brushed aluminum case. That would look just way too cool!

 

For car body parts you'd need the moulds though... not sure, did Assembler come across some Dreamcast case moulds or why is he asking? And it may still be really expensive considering there won't be a big market for DC metal cases, especially at the price you'd be looking at.

 

Like what ave said, you would need a mold (die). So basically you are investing the CNC cost on the tool itself instead on one individual part. If you make a lot of parts, then yes theoretically each unit price can be lowered. But what is the true demand for such a product? Also for stamped parts, depending on the part design, progressive die may be needed. Some geometry can't be stamped in one shot. You need multiple dies to form the final shape. Die casting actually makes more sense for this application. But again, tooling cost is expensive.

 

I have dropped a lot on just plastic cases due to their rarity. Price is not a factor to me but the modem needs to be able to be used for the BBA as well.

 

wouldn't be easier and cheaper to press paper thin metal cover that goes over the plastic shell...

 

i would love this but shipping would probably be through the roof.

 

Yes we do, it says CNC'ed in the title.

 

Yeah, noticed that after posting. DOH! moment for sure.

 

You mean wrap it in aluminium foil?

It would probably be easier and cheaper to send the dreamcast to these people http://www.goldgenie.com/gold-plate-your-game-console.php

 

Or have a 3D-printer company make em for ya?
http://www.sculpteo.com/en/materials/

 

Hmmm :suspicion: This would solve issues with the ones I have that are discolouring.
As everyone else has mentioned, pictures are a great idea.
But either brushed or buffed metal would certainly be different and a welcome change.
If they were to be made though, we'd need to make sure we get them made of the right stuff.
Aluminium vs Aluminum, either way it will always be lucky 13 to me!
Either way I'd want one for sure! :smile-new:

 

How about a ceramic dreamcast, wonder if it would be dishwasher safe?

 

too expensive otherwise i'd be interested

 

You should go for it man, also maybe add some mods of your own :encouragement:

 

3d printer would probably be a cheaper alternative but its all speculation till Assembler comes back with some more info

i had thought of making a custom perspex case but my plastic cutting skills are emm somewhat primitive

 

An axe and mullet isn't a good idea synrgy

 

...and everybody seems to forget aluminIum isn't exactly featherlight? (despite what a lot of people might think)
Trust me, a fully CNCed casing would weigh a ton AND would kill its own worth for shipping out.

 

how about vacuum coasted plastic case with alloy or what ever else we wanted - provided the cost is met