CES 2007 - Ultra Announces the First Carbon Fiber Case

[Apoptosis]

CES 2007 - Ultra Announces the First Carbon Fiber Computer Case

Ever seen a mass produced carbon fiber computer case? The answer is no, because carbon fiber has only been used as “trimâ€

[DeusEx]

any idea as to how much a case like that would cost? and how much would they charge for the custom designs mentioned in the article?

[Apoptosis]

I'm still working on the cost, but I can't get in touch with Ultra this morning (it is sunday). I'll update the article the second I find out. Oh and a DIGG link has been added to the first post for those that have DIGG and liked the article you know what to do.

[HONkUS]

Does anyone know how to cut CF or paint it?

That case would look awesome with some kind of high-gloss colored clearcoat so you could still see the fibers! plus if you adonize the frame it could look that much sweeter. are the "metal" parts on the outside part of the aluminum frame or are they just shiny plastic pieces?

as for a custom window i found this at http://robotcombat.com

For the thinner pieces (.020 and smaller), you can actually just use a good pair of scissors. Thicker material you may be able to use a tin-snips, but the optimal method is to use a band saw or scroll saw. Fast-cutting, as with a jigsaw or circular saw tends to make a lot of dust, and can leave a less-smooth cut, so slow-cutting is typically better. When using a saw, it is a good idea to protect the glossy finish from scratches, with some masking or similar tape. Finish up the edges with a 100 grit sandpaper to take the rough spots off, then detail with 400 grit. If you're really fancy, you can use a Waterjet or Laser-cutting service. (Although laser-cutting carbon fiber tends to really stink as the material burns!)

So it looks like its plenty modable!

Also its 2007 Apop not 2006 all your CES articles say 2006

[Dragon_Cooler]

how much does it weigh?????

[Tech_Greek]

I want it...NOW...I NEED MORE CARBON FIBER!

[SAMSAMHA]

THE case looks nice, a bit simple but nice.

[Digital Puppy]

Glad the LR guys are working hard in Vegas! Wait....the LR guys in Vegas?!?! uh, oh.....

[bubba]

Does anyone know how to cut CF or paint it?

cutting sheets of carbon fiber is nasty, its hard on anything that you cut it with. But fine tooth saw is your best bet for the thicker stuff.

molding it is even harder, once you lay-up the carbon fiber layers (like fiber glass) you have to put it in a vacuum then all that into a oven to cook.

paint, all you need is a candy color in a thin coat will give the CF an illusion of color.

[dgood]

I can see it now someone with there fancy tricked out car with the carbon fiber hood and trunk now can make their computer match all the things they did to their car. Aww yeah. only thing that comes after this is need for speed underground 3 edition computer cases. Looks nice though I wouldn't' mind having one if they aren't too expensive.

[Tech_Greek]

I can see it now someone with there fancy tricked out car with the carbon fiber hood and trunk now can make their computer match all the things they did to their car. Aww yeah. only thing that comes after this is need for speed underground 3 edition computer cases. Looks nice though I wouldn't' mind having one if they aren't too expensive.

Well, they already have neons and watercooling inside of them...why not add a turbo to your already hot CPU heatsink exhaust fan and make it spool up to force feed air into...erm I just went cross eyed.

[werty316]

Ultra is really putting out some serious hardware but I bet this case will be expensive since it uses carbon fiber.

Aside from that the case looks very slick.

[Dragon_Cooler]

my question still stands! LOL

[jonnyGURU]

Ultra is really putting out some serious hardware but I bet this case will be expensive since it uses carbon fiber.

Aside from that the case looks very slick.

Yeah... it's expensive. I mean, I don't know what the production version costs, but I know the handmade samples were very expensive.

And the case isn't light. Not because of the solid cast aluminum frame and drive bays (which in my opinion look 5000% cooler than the carbon fiber panels) but because the panels are SOLID CARBON FIBER and not carbon fiber sheets over aluminum panels like some mods.

[Gamble]

That sounds so sweet...the price is probably going to make Lian-Li look like a bargain producer, though.

[Tech_Greek]

Ultra is really putting out some serious hardware but I bet this case will be expensive since it uses carbon fiber.

Aside from that the case looks very slick.

Yeah... it's expensive. I mean, I don't know what the production version costs, but I know the handmade samples were very expensive.

And the case isn't light. Not because of the solid cast aluminum frame and drive bays (which in my opinion look 5000% cooler than the carbon fiber panels) but because the panels are SOLID CARBON FIBER and not carbon fiber sheets over aluminum panels like some mods.

Now, if I'm reading your post right you're saying that the Solid Carbon Fiber is heavier than Aluminum Panels...

If that's the case than no, it's not like that, if it were we wouldn't be replacing aluminum body panels with Carbon Fiber body panels in race cars...

CF < Aluminum < Steel (= Weight)

[jonnyGURU]

Ultra is really putting out some serious hardware but I bet this case will be expensive since it uses carbon fiber.

Aside from that the case looks very slick.

Yeah... it's expensive. I mean, I don't know what the production version costs, but I know the handmade samples were very expensive.

And the case isn't light. Not because of the solid cast aluminum frame and drive bays (which in my opinion look 5000% cooler than the carbon fiber panels) but because the panels are SOLID CARBON FIBER and not carbon fiber sheets over aluminum panels like some mods.

Now, if I'm reading your post right you're saying that the Solid Carbon Fiber is heavier than Aluminum Panels...

If that's the case than no, it's not like that, if it were we wouldn't be replacing aluminum body panels with Carbon Fiber body panels in race cars...

CF < Aluminum < Steel (= Weight)

It's not quite that simple. In strength to weight, carbon fiber is light/strong, but depending on the application, it's not always light.

Carbon fiber by itself comes in sheets. Sheet that don't really have any structual integrity. Sometimes you can take sheets of carbon fiber and use it to cover thin panels of aluminum. Since the aluminum provides structure, the panel can be very thing, very light and therefore very light and strong.

The panels on the Ultra case have no aluminum. It's ALL carbon fiber. So it can maintain the rigidity of a case side panel, several layers are used and this brings the weight up.

An equally strong steel or aluminum panel would be much, much heavier. But there's no need for this because that kind of strength really isn't necessary.

That and the aluminm frame is solid extrusion aluminum. This adds to the weight.

The case just looks bad ass. Is HUGE and easy to work in and is really quite quiet because the carbon fiber absorbs everything.

[Tech_Greek]

Well,

That doesn't make too much sense and it does at the same time because when I was experimenting with CF I was able to make a two sheet thick board when it was all done I was able to stand on it and it not crack (for speaker enclosures).