3D Printed Rugged Enclosure for NXP MCU-Link Debug Probe

I’m using the NXP MCU-Link CMSIS-DAP debug probe in many of my projects. The debub probe from NXP does not come with an enclosure. I’m traveling to work by train, so I designed a new rugged box and enclosure. The box is small and I can keep all parts inside it.

Rugged boxes and enclosure for NXP MCU-Link debug probes
Rugged boxes and enclosure for NXP MCU-Link debug probes

Outline

The MCU-Link debug probe is an inexpensive CMSIS-DAP debug probe from NXP. I commute by train, and it is not uncommon that I use it to debug my projects while traveling. The debug probe is so small. I have left it several times back on my desk. I have also missed taking all the cables with me.

I have designed a new set of 3D printed enclosure parts for it. An enclosure for the debug probe PCB itself, plus a rugged and stack-able box for the probe and cables.

If you want to print it for yourself: All the files are available on GitHub.

Enclosures

The design includes an enclosure for the debug probe PCB, plus a rugged box for it and the cables.

Rugged box for NXP MCU-Link Debug probe and cables
Rugged box for NXP MCU-Link Debug probe and cables

The rugged box is around 7x8x4 cm in size. Plenty of space for the debug probe plus all the cables.

Hinge and Latch

It uses 6x M3x20mm hex sockets for the hinge and latches. One can use normal M3x20 screws, but I like the ones below:

Hex Sockets
Hex Sockets
M3 20 mm hex sockets
M3 20 mm hex sockets

Colors

I printed parts in different colors. I’m using Prusament PLA, but you can use ASA, ABS or PETG or other brands.

transparent PLA
PLA ‘natural’
PLA Opal Green
PLA ‘Opal Green’
PLA Mystic Green
PLA ‘Mystic Green’
PLA 'Oh my gold'
PLA ‘Oh my gold’

Rugged Stackable Box

The design is using FreeCAD, an open source 3D parametric modeler.

MCU-Link Enclosure in FreeCAD
MCU-Link Enclosure in FreeCAD

The rugged box is a remix of a design from Printables, with a some updates and changes:

  • rounded corners
  • stack-able design with a rim in the lid and bottom
  • improved dimensions and parameter for small boxes
  • added name plate to the lid

The boxes have inserts so they can be stacked on top of each other.

Bottom of stackable rugged box
Bottom of stack-able rugged box
stacked boxes
stacked boxes

The lid includes a inlay. I printed it in the same color below:

Lid inlay
Lid inlay

Printing

Printing all pieces takes around 3 hours on a Prusa Core One, with material costs of about $1.50. Printed with 0.4 mm high-flow nozzle.

Sliced parts with PrusaSlicer
Sliced parts with PrusaSlicer

Summary

I have now a small box enclosure for the NXP MCU-Link debug probes. It is rugged, stack-able and comes in different colors. It is small but large enough to store all the cables plus probe inside. In the next days I’ll print a more boxes for all my debug probes.

Happy enclosing 🙂

Links

What do you think?

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