The "HomeCube" - a smarter printer enclosure for the Prusa I3 Mk3 and other printers
Description
<b>Update 2.2, 2021-04-22:</b> Well, time for a bigger update today. Firstly, I have added a set of files that enables you to use aluminium profile poles with <b>a 6 mm slot instead of 5 mm.</b> Still, profiles have to be chosen with care - there's a lot of 6 mm slot profiles out there that cannot be used at all. Have a look at the updated manual for details. Secondly, I have changed the Thing's license to CC BY-NC 4.0 which means that <b>from now on remixes may be published.</b> Felt like this step was needed to ensure the enclosure's compatibility with future printer models that I may lack the measurement resources to adapt myself. ********** <b>Annotation, 2020-08-09:</b> If you own one of the newer MK3s printers by Prusa featuring square feet, you can now download the appropriate foot recess STL kindly made by user Joergkainz: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4547538 This part can be used just like the circular recess that's in the HomeCube's file set. ********** <b>Update 2.1, 2020-05-05:</b> Slight change in dimensions of the Prusa I3 Mk3 integration's front bridge, in order to keep the ability of opening/closing the front doors when an SD card is inserted in the printer's control panel. If you <b>do not</b> use the Prusa I3 Mk3 integration, this update doesn't affect you. If you <b>have already built</b> your housing <b>with</b> the Prusa I3 Mk3 integration, you may update your build at any time by retrofitting the "E1 Frame Front Bridge" printing part and cutting off a small portion of your plexiglass doors. ********** <b>Update 1.2, 2019-08-05:</b> Added some optional/alternative parts addressing filament guidance. Added alternative door stops to allow for a wider range of magnets to be used. Updated the manual to cover assembly and use of the new parts. ********** <b>Minor bugfix update 1.1, 2019-07-18:</b> In page 34 of the building instructions a wrong measurement was specified (step 12.2: correct values are 84 x 28 mm). Corrected this and reupped the instructions (a big Thank You to Hano for pointing this out to me!) In that course I also split the original "all files" ZIP into an STLs ZIP and the instructions PDF so that the PDF can now be downloaded separately. ********** <b>SO, WHAT IS THIS?</b> This is a very versatile modular 3D printer housing I designed primarily for the Prusa I3 Mk3, but since it may be built in arbitrary sizes and configurations, it will fit any other I3 type printer and even some other types as well (though not at the same level of usage comfort). Of course I first considered to just build the well-known “LACK” housing, but that solution, though unbeatably cheap and easy to assemble, is too unflexible to fit my needs. So I decided to make my own design, featuring quite a bunch of additional options, including: - <b>Non-invasive</b> integration of the Prusa I3 Mk3 (and maybe Mk2 as well?) - <b>Base-mounted</b> PTFE tube guidance for an MMU2 or similar multifilament systems (like the <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3431438">SMuFF</a>, for example) - Variable cabinet size to fit individual needs - Side mount for PSU and/or Octopi - An included <b>modular</b> spool holder system - Horizontal cabinet illumination - Temperature sensor equipment - ...and some utils and conversion options. In return, compared to the “LACK” solution, it takes a little more effort to build my construction - more time, more tools, more skills, and more money. Still I think that no minimally experienced do-it-yourselfer will be overstrained with the task (I mean... are we “makers”, or what?). So, have a look at the materials and tools lists in the PDF manual supplied with the files and decide for yourself if you want to take the extra effort. Speaking about the manual: I put some effort into documenting preparation, 3D printing, and assembly step-by-step - in fact, the manual was the main part of work, featuring 47 pages and about 150 pictures (see screenshots above). So I hope that every step of building your own enclosure to fit your special needs is explained well and comprehensibly. My own printer housing, as yet, has been on duty for about two years now. Some parts were improved in that time, some others may be added in the future. The only thing that was not yet tested "in action" is the MMU2 integration since bestir myself to integrate the MMU (turned out that I don't really need it, and then the TPU issues...). If you have any feedback about the project, I would love to read your comments. What especially intrigues me is the question if my approach for the Prusa I3 Mk3 integration works with the I3 Mk2 and/or Mk2.5 as well. And of course I would love to see "makes" of my "thing"... due to the file set's versatility I think it's quite likely that not two of them will look alike. Note: The STL file visible in the pictures list is for illustration purposes only (Thingiverse requires at least one uncompressed file to be uploaded). The actual STLs needed for printing are in the "HomeCube STLs and DXFs" ZIP (would be hopelessly confusing if I would upload them without a proper directory order). Note 2: As you may have assumed, the nonsense amazon links in the text were not my idea. This is a quite annoying new automatism in Thingiverse's effort to increase uselessness - annoying especially if, as in this case, there are useful links in the text as well.
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