Modder rethinks PC liquid cooling with 3D printing, silicone, and a laser
Building a custom liquid cooling distro plate using unusual methods
The growing availability of 3D printers, laser cutters and other tools has started an at-home manufacturing revolution. With the proper knowledge, you can now build almost anything. On YouTube, Visual Thinker has put his skills to the test by creating a custom PC liquid cooling distro plate using new methods. With a 3D printer, a laser cutter and silicone, he may have revolutionised the world of custom PC liquid cooling.
Typically, water cooling distro plates are manufactured from thick acrylic using a CNC machine. Without access to such a tool, Visual Thinker had to think differently. Over the course of the video below, he developed methods for creating custom silicone seals, enabling him to manufacture custom distro plates using the tools available to him.
By sharing his methods, Visual Thinker has opened the door to a wave of custom liquid cooling components, PC case designs, and more. By sharing his knowledge, PC modders can use similar methods to create their own custom hardware. The opportunities are endless!
As I start to plan my next computer build, I want to gain the ability to make my own water cooling components, specifically Distro Plates. I don’t have a CNC router, which is typically used to make parts like this, so lets find out what is possible with 3D printing and laser cutting!
No generative AI was used in this video
As a fan of PC modding, I am loving the options these new methods have given modders. New ways to create custom liquid-cooled PCs with unorthodox designs. Will modders adopt these methods? Who knows. Traditional methods work, but new options could enable new designs. Furthermore, using silicone does give Visual Thinker’s distro plate a distinct look. It certainly looks better than rubber gaskets.
You can join the discussion on Visual Thinker’s custom distro plates on the OC3D Forums.
