Custom backplate - feedback, confirming hole size/spacing for grid

I’m making a custom backplate for the Pocket Reform. As part of this I’d like to include two spots for custom module expansion, compatible with the Reform Next grid where the camera board is mounted. I think it uses the following:

  • Hole spacing: 4 cm
  • Screw size M2.5? (I am not certain about this)
  • Depth of indentation: no idea… will it matter? I plan to do 1.2mm depth.

I attempted to use the sources to confirm this info myself, but I’m having trouble loading the most recent Freecad file on this machine, as it is fairly complex. I was able to load an older file that had each part included separately, but the bottom case part in this file did not include the grid or the holes, only long ridges going across the case.

(Also, for anyone with CNC experience, let me know if you think that a 1.5mm radius is too tight for inner corners on a 1.2mm deep cut into aluminum. From some research, I think it should be doable because it’s such a shallow cut and because the area in question will be chamfered, but honestly I have no idea what I’m doing.)

Thanks, I think the end result of this will be worth it. Will share files when complete.

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Here are some screenshots. Feedback is appreciated. I went with the assumption of M2.5 screws.

The unusual hole configuration on the “grid” area is designed to allow two separate 4x4cm boards or one 8x4cm board. The circles are for 10x1 magnets, which come in black or silver on Amazon. There’s probably other colors out there as well.

By the way, I’ve confirmed that my USB hub sticks to magnets, so this would allow me to put the hub on the back of the case while in use. Or it would, but I just noticed that I put the magnet holes on the side farthest from the USB ports. I guess I need to change that now…

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I’m unfortunately unable to open the CAD file of the Reform Next on my a311d reform. I’d assume the screws to be M2 screws though, as that’s the size that is also used everywhere else for the classic Reform and Pocket Reform.

Do note, that while the MNT logo is licensed under CC-BY-NC-4.0, it is also protected as a trademark. See MNT Reform March 2022 Update—MNT Research GmbH and symbol-for-derived-works · master · Reform / reform · GitLab

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Thanks, will go with M2.

I’ll be sure to ask for permission formally before distributing any files with the trademark. I plan to make non-logo versions anyway since some people may prefer that.

This looks super cool, I hope you post pictures of the finished product! I was thinking of printing a custom circuit board to serve as a replacement backplate, but this is so much cooler.

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