A tech modder named NODE creates a credit card-sized computer with a slimmed down Raspberry Pi and 3D printed case. 

The two worlds of 3D printing and Raspberry Pi seem to collide quite often, usually coupling together like two peas in an tech-savvy pod. Makers have found many creative uses for this famed computer board, and these projects are oftentimes housed within an equally imaginative 3D printed housing.

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One tech-savvy maker (who goes by the name NODE) recently showcased an extremely unique use of the Raspberry Pi computer board. Using single-board computer and 3D printing, this modder managed to build a credit card-sized PC.

Using Raspberry Pi & 3D Printing To Create Credit Card-Sized PC

Looking to combine the best of both the higher performing Raspberry Pi 3 (Model B) and the smaller Raspberry Pi Zero, the modder took the former and slimmed it down. To do so, NODE took a $35 Raspberry Pi 3 and slimmed it down to the size of the Zero.

This modified computer board is enclosed in a specially designed 3D printed black case that is 7mm thick. The casing includes a grilled vent that keeps heat from destroying the hardware components. There’s also a small slot in the bottom that allows the user easily load and unload a Micro SD card.

Taking the original Raspberry Pi 3 board, NODE sawed off a variety of protruding components, including four USB ports, the Ethernet port, the strip of 40 pins, and the HDMI port. Once it was placed in the slightly oversized case, the modder filled this space by soldering and wiring three Micro USB breakout boards to the main board.

According to NODE, this project is ideal for someone looking for an easy, plug and play headless computer.

“Depending on what you’re doing it could work well for a general headless system or server application. The small size also means it’s more portable, and I could imagine it working well for some kind of wireless access point, piratebox or a general node of some sort,” he says.

If you’re feeling ambitious enough, you can try and create this credit card-sized PC yourself. As an open source project, NODE provides the 3D models via GitHub. You can also learn more about his project directly from his website. And, finally, if you’re interested in more Raspberry Pi projects that involve 3D printing, check out our list of the 30 best projects here!

Source: Digital Trends/NODE