3mm sheet acrylic ant formicarium inspired by AC Omni Nest (small)

thingiverse

An acrylic nest inspired by ants Canada's small omni nest. This version uses only 3mm sheets making it easier to produce. I've also literally cut corners reducing the size by around 17% without changing the internal rooms. Simply laser cut acrylic sheets and connect the parts with 6mm bolts. The bolts should be at least 30mm but I guess longer would still work. All the acrylic dxf files have been gathered in an .ai file ready to laser cut.The next 2 are .stl and contain a cover to block light, and a structure for holding metal mesh/grids in place. The rest are the raw vector files for all of the individual parts, and the number you have to cut in case you want those.All of the parts are 3mm thick. You could probably use thicker sheets but the "entrance gate" must always be 3mm thick. The entrance hole is 10mm wide to fit vinyl tubing just like the original.The square compartment is for the humidifying sponge or cotton whatever you choose to fit in there.It is recommended to place a small metal mesh/grid where the sponge connects to the nest rooms to prevent the ants from digging out. If the metal mesh/grid slides away you can print the part called "grid holder" to keep it in place.In order to open up the humidity room you can glue the round "handle" on top of the window so you can lift it with your fingers.I've included an extra STL file with holes for a drinking sponge if you want more of those directly inside the rooms. This adaptor is for a 14mm test tube you can fill up with water to supply the colony for months. There is also a dxf file for one of the 4 windows with a hole in it to stick the adaptor into the nest.