A complete, 3D‑printable knee panel assembly for 737‑style home cockpits.
Designed for small print beds (220 × 220 mm), assembled with brass heat‑set inserts and screws, and engineered for clean 12 V backlighting and intuitive wiring. Includes CAD and STL files so you can print, modify, and integrate them into your existing 737SS build.
YouTube: Knee Panel Wiring
What’s included
STLs for all printable parts (frame, panels, knobs).
CAD source (for editing and remixing).
Exploded naming and logical part layout for easy slicing and assembly.
Parts Included:
Knee Panel structure
Blank panel
Glareshield Panel
AFDS panel
GPWS Panel
All knobs
Upgrade paths:
Laser‑engraved light‑flow faceplate — https://www.737diysim.com/product-page/737ss-knee-panels
Why is this design essential
Purpose‑built for home cockpits: This is the full 737SS knee panel assembly, not a cosmetic plate. It combines a structural frame, precision‑fit panels, and functional knobs to bring the knee section of your MIP to life—all from 3D‑printed parts.
Small‑bed friendly: Every part is segmented to fit 220 × 220 mm printers (e.g., Ender‑3 class), so there’s no need for oversized machines or awkward diagonal prints.Robust assembly: Parts are joined with brass heat‑set inserts and appropriate screws for a rigid, serviceable build.
Clean, serviceable lighting: 12 V LED strip lighting sits at the base of the support box for even backlighting and straightforward maintenance.
Realistic controls:
Main panel / AFDS / background lighting knobs are intended to run from a 12 V PWM dimmer for smooth MIP lighting control.
Screen dimmer (x4) potentiometers: use B10K pots connected to a Leo Bodnar interface for analogue axes.
Recommended pot shaft length: 20 mm.
Originality & design intent
CAD‑first engineering: The package includes both STL and CAD so builders can adapt fit, wire routing, and hardware choices to their unique rigs.
Light‑flow panel option: When paired with the laser‑engraved faceplate, engraved legends illuminate crisply without light bleed.
Modular upgrades: Compatible with dedicated Korry 318 annunciator replicas for authentic annunciation points.
Electronics:
PWM dimmer (12 V) for panel and AFDS lighting control.
B10K potentiometers (x4 screen dimmers), 20 mm shaft, to Leo Bodnar board (analogue inputs).Context of use
Designed for the 737SS ecosystem and MIP area integration.
Suit hobbyist flight simulator cockpits (MSFS, X‑Plane, P3D) at 1:1 scale aesthetics.
Pairs best with the laser‑engraved faceplate and Korry 318 upgrade for authentic lighted legends and annunciation.
Potential limitations
Not an aerospace part — for simulator/hobby use only.
Final fit can vary with printer calibration, material, and slicer settings; minor sanding or drilling may be required.
Electronics (LEDs, pots, dimmers, interface cards) are not included.
Brass insert sizes and screw specs follow the linked build guide; adhere to those references for best results.
This design targets small‑bed printing; do not upscale unless your wider build tolerances and hardware can accommodate it.
Licensing & attribution
License: Personal, non‑commercial use. No resale or redistribution of files or derivative works without permission.
All aircraft names/marks belong to their respective owners. This project is not affiliated with Boeing or any simulator platform.
3D printing settings
Link to the full Build/Part/Print Guide (step‑by‑step):
Build Guide: https://www.737diysim.com/build-guides-1/737ss-knee-panelPrinting & assembly notes (recommended)
Printer bed: ≥ 220 × 220 mm
Material: PLA+ for ease; PETG for higher‑temp environments or parts near lighting.
Layer height: 0.16–0.24 mm (detail vs speed).
Infill: 20–35% (frames/panels); increase on load‑bearing brackets as desired.
Walls: 3–4 perimeters on structural parts.
Supports: Only where needed for overhangs; orient frames to minimise support.
Brass inserts: Fit with a soldering iron; take care to remain square and flush.
Fasteners: Use the screw sizes referenced in the build guide for best results.
Lighting: Standard 12 V LED strip in the support box; diffuse as preferred.
