Valve Releases Official CAD Files for Steam Machine Custom Faceplates

Credit: Valve

Valve has released official 3D CAD files for the Steam Machine's exterior shell, giving players an easy way to design and print their own faceplates, mounts, and accessories.

The files are open for anyone to download and adapt for personal projects. Valve noted that anyone looking to sell accessories commercially will need to reach out to the company directly, since the license does not cover commercial use.

What exactly is included in the files?

The release covers the exterior shell of the Steam Machine, giving modders precise measurements to build custom parts. That means things like:

• Replacement faceplates

• Protective panels

• Stands and mounts

• Other 3D printed accessories

Valve also slipped in a warning for anyone thinking about cracking open their console. According to the accompanying documentation, "opening the outside enclosure of your Steam Machine will void a warranty you may otherwise enjoy."

A bigger push toward hardware openness

This CAD drop is not a one-off. Valve has been steadily opening up its hardware to the community lately. Earlier this year, the company released CAD files for the Steam Controller, and just this month it shared an official design for the Steam Machine's e-ink display.

Alongside the CAD files, Valve also gave an update on where things stand with Steam Machine orders. FSR 4.1 is now live through Proton Experimental, which means AMD's newest upscaling tech is now usable on supported titles.

On availability, Valve said it expects everyone currently sitting in the reservation queue to get a shot at buying a unit before the year wraps up. As per the company, orders are going out daily, though wait times still shift depending on product and region.

Valve also addressed a mix-up where some customers jumped straight from the reservation list to a purchase invite without getting a heads-up first. Going forward, Valve says it will send an extra email letting people know when they have moved to the next stage of the process.

It is worth noting that anything built using these official files cannot legally be sold. That rule already tripped up dbrand, which had to scrap a Portal-themed Companion Cube wrap back in June after starting work on it without securing a license from Valve first.