I am new to this, and have a project to design and print and outdoor enclosure for some electronics. Where do I start?
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Hi,
You need to learn some 3d design software.
Here is a list. 3D Printing Design & Modeling Software - Shapeways
Hey @sankofa . Firstly, let us know what stage are you in?
1) Do you have the design already in 2D? or already in 3D?
If not than you should start there. Firstly, you should familiarize yourself with 3D modeling
2) If you do have a 3D printed model you should get in touch with someone who has some water-tight materials to print it out for you 
I have a rough sketch in 2D.
First step is to get some solid measurements. You’ll need dimensions of the electronics board(s) and mounting holes, so you’ll be sure it fits and has places to be screwed down to the enclosure.
Once you have that noted and sketched out on paper, you could just go nuts with some of the free 3d tools out there, tinkercad is a good place to start.
If this is just a one-off project box, I wouldn’t worry about printing in a water-tight process since you can likely just coat the box in epoxy or even silicon caulking to seal the surfaces, and then another bead of silicone caulk along the lid seams and any wire holes.
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I specialize in prototyping and electronics. I build my own 3d printers and have prototyped many electronics including ones designed for outdoor use. I have the largest selection of materials including hydrophobic and non biodegradable but the way the sun is blasting lately I would worry about the design melting with the material most printers are using. I print things that are made to function. Let me know if I can help. I love talking about this stuff.
-Jesse
MB3D
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With that rough sketch you can look for hubs that offer 3d printing and 3d modeling, which is a new searching criteria. The hub can model the enclosure and print it in any material. I would highly recommend to go for ABS, it is extremely long living and withstands temperatures of 100-120C so it’s perfect for outdoor use. ABS is not bio degradable and I know of black ABS prints that last over 3 years outdoors so far with no sign of wear. black ABS is usually more resilient to UV light, so I’d go for that or at least a similar dark color. If you apply a little bit of acetone to the connection of multiple pieces, the acetone will dissolve the ABS just a little bit and will chemically weld the two halves together, which will form an airtight seal. If you can’t find a hub for modeling, I could cheaply provide you with the model, just check out my hub if you are interested. www.3dhubs.com/siegen/hubs/marius I have experience in over 15 materials, excluding colors, so I definitely know, which material suits your project. Nearly all other materials can deform in sunlight or have any other downside, like brittleness, biodegradablility,… Cheers, Marius Breuer
Do you have a link to your hub?
