Remixed a PCI slot cover into a USB panel mount thing to get myself out of a dumb PC build situation (see: https://www.printables.com/model/862147). At some point it occurred to me that I or someone else might find a regular old slot cover with these tweaks useful. Thankfully I still had the program open so I hit undo repeatedly. And so, here's a PETG-friendly reinforced slot cover!
Note that the reinforcements are on the part of the bracket that faces outside the case. In addition to making this rigid enough to actually use with PETG, I find it eases insertion and alignment in tight spots. (In my opinion it also looks pretty nifty, though as cursory searching has not shown this solution used elsewhere I fear I may be alone in this assessment).
I did try this in a few of my spare cases and it fits fine in all of them. I will note the one case I have that has the little retention slots at the very bottom of the slot that the “tongue” of PCI slot brackets slot into had a VERY snug fit, so some filing/tweaking might be needed if you have one of those.
/ramble
SETTINGS
This is not picky. All I had on hand was Elegoo Rapid PETG and it works fine enough for my purposes. Anything more rigid, like ABS/ASA/PLA should be good too though I will note the flexibility of PETG can help insertion in cramped scenarios.
I use .2 layer height, 30% infill and 4 wall loops, 3 each top and bottom shell layers, cube infill. This is excessive but just what I keep my Orcaslicer install locked at as it is what I use for most of my prints and it didn't seem worth burning time fat-trimming for something this small.
I will note that the basis model suggests 20% infill and basically whatever for other settings. That should be fine.
No supports should be needed though I can only speak for my own rig and material.
VARIANTS
“Thicker” version has slightly wider and thicker reinforcements to minimize side to side motion and help alignment and stability.
Might add a vented and/or half-height version if the need arises and/or I get bored.
The author remixed this model.
Thickened the cover such that z-thickness is 1.375mm on the plate. Nibbled a bit off the top of the attachment point (small side of the L) to compensate. Added cuboid reinforcements along the long side to add rigidity, with the result that this bracket can be used with PETG and/or other less-rigid materials, and should be a bit more resilient with stiffer materials. This will also fit more snugly and the reinforcements also help align the cover in the slot.
“Thick” version has slightly thicker and longer reinforcements, to snugly fit to the case I am using. Regular version uses 3mm reinforcements and allows some wiggle room.