CYD Screen Case

A compact, Switchwire-mountable enclosure for the ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display

2023-3-27 • Ryan H

TL;DR: I wanted a simple, wireless status/control screen for my Switchwire (Aquilawire) without the wiring sprawl of KlipperScreen. Using CYD-Klipper on the ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display, I designed a small case and mount that bolts right onto the frame, routes power neatly, and just works.

Problem

KlipperScreen is great, but it introduces a screen, cables, and a Pi/HDMI stack I didn’t want to mount or power. The Mini 12864 is tidy but limited. I needed a compact, readable, wireless screen I could check at a glance without cluttering the printer with more wiring.

Constraints & requirements

  • Minimal wiring: one clean power feed, Wi-Fi for comms.
  • Mounting: drop-in bracket for a VORON Switchwire extrusion (no drilling).
  • Printability: no exotic supports; short prints; sensible tolerances.
  • Serviceability: easy screen removal.
  • Durability: enclosure that won’t buzz or crack if I bump into it.

Solution overview

The case holds the CYD board snugly with standoffs and a front bezel, and the rear bracket keys into a Switchwire extrusion. Power is routed via a micro USB feed, and Wi-Fi handles communication to Klipper/Moonraker through CYD-Klipper.

Element Choice Why
Display/control ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display (CYD) All-in-one touch display, Wi-Fi, tiny footprint
Firmware CYD-Klipper Simple, fast setup; talks to Moonraker/Klipper
Case Two-part shell + bezel Serviceable and easy to print
Mount Switchwire extrusion bracket Clean install; maintains printer footprint
Power Micro USB One cable; no HDMI ribbon
Material ABS Stiff enough and durable

Build notes

  • Tolerances: standoffs are sized for a snug board fit.
  • Orientation: print the bezel face-down for a crisp edge; the back shell upright.
  • Fasteners: 2 × M3×20 for the bracket; 4 × M3×12 for the bezel.
  • Power: feed a stable 5 V supply; avoid long flimsy USB leads. If drawing from the printer PSU, use a buck converter with headroom.

Images

Assembly, mount, and UI snapshots:

CYD screen showing print files CYD screen showing heater status CYD screen case parts exploded

Results

  • Setup time: seconds from print to on-printer.
  • Readability: Clear view at a glance; screen is stable to the touch.
  • Everyday use: Heaters, jobs, and speed changes at a glance; no extra HDMI/USB spaghetti.

Files & source

Printables VORON Mods CYD-Klipper

Apply this approach

This is how we approach add-ons for clients: define constraints, design for manufacture, and wire cleanly for service. If you want help integrating accessories or designing custom enclosures, see our 3D Printing and Design & Drafting services, or get in touch.

FAQ

Why not use KlipperScreen?
It works, but adds a display/HDMI/cables to mount and power. CYD is smaller, wireless, and needs just 5 V.

Why a dedicated case instead of a generic box?
Proper standoffs, access to buttons, and a bracket that fits the Switchwire frame make it sturdier and easier to use.

PLA, PETG or ABS?
PLA is likely suitable, but as all other printer parts are in ABS I stuck with that choice.

How do I power it?
Either a clean 5 V line from your electronics bay (via a buck converter) or a short, good-quality USB supply.

Does it talk to Klipper reliably over Wi-Fi?
Yes, CYD-Klipper talks to Moonraker. Keep Wi-Fi signal decent and it’s rock solid for status/control.