Bambu A1 and A1 Mini Spares and Tool Case ver1.4

prusaprinters

8/22/2024 - Thanks to some additional feedback, this has been updated with a small optimization to the tool holder module (for the small hex wrench).  The current version is ver1.4. This is a remix of my Mini Box For Stuff (basic), and is designed to hold the spare parts and a few hot ends for a Bambu A1 or A1 Mini printer.  Much of this design is based on my X1C/P1P/P1S spares case, and uses a few elements from that design.  Please note that I don't own an A1 or A1 Mini, so I do not have any of the spares this case is designed to hold.  To design this case, I grabbed dimensions from other A1 parts holders (credited below), and also received some feedback from the community on prototypes for the holders.  Additionally, I test printed the the parts for the case, and several of the holders, which I could test.  The design has also been successfully printed several times by users here - see the comments - (with just a small change since then).  So I have high confidence that this will work OK.  The pics show  some of my prototype prints, which were partial models used to test the spare parts insert and design iterations. If you do have a problem with the design let me know and I will try and fix it.  And regardless of problems or not, please provide feedback, which is very helpful. This case is designed to fit on a Bambu A1 MINI or Prusa Mini size printer with a 180x180mm bed.  I don't own an A1 Mini, but I did confirm that this design slices correctly using an A1 Mini profile, which is included.  I have printed a prototype of this box on my X1C, and everything works, but if you make this on an A1 Mini or Prusa Mini, please provide feedback.To help with assembly, I have some instructions on my website which are not specific to this basic case, but the instructions still cover important parts of the assembly, such as how to assemble the latches and hinges.The Bill Of Materials needed to assemble this is below:(2) M3 x 10mm SHCS  (these hold the latch “cleats” to the top of the case)(2) M3 x 10mm SHCS  (for the handle)(4) M3 x 10mm SHCS   (for the base insert)(2) M3 x 20mm to 30mm SHCS (for the hinges)(2) M3 x 20mm SHCS (latches)(2) M3 x 30mm SHCS (latches)(2) M3 x 20-25mm SHCS (to mount the wiper holder)(4) 6x3mm cylinder magnets (for the hot end holders)(4) M3x6mm Button Head Cap Screws (BHCS) - or any M3x6 button head screws.SHCS = Socket Head Cap ScrewsAdditionally, if using the 3 compartment lid version, you will need the following additional screws:(2) M3x6mm Button Head Cap Screws (BHCS) - or any M3x6 button head screws.A larger version of the pic above can be found on my blog.Printing:These models are designed to print without any supports.  Instead of the individual STL's, I have included 12 plate 3MF, which was created using Bambu Studio and is set up for a Bambu A1 Mini with a textured PEI plate and 0.4mm nozzle, with the following settings:3 wallsArachne Wall Generator15% rectilinear infill on most parts (latch parts have 100% infill)Brims on the large case parts onlyThe profile is set up with the following materials and colors (I'm sure the colors could be better, I used what I had on hand):If you want to change the profile for a different printer, you can change the printer and nozzle size here:The profile includes a multicolor plate and a TPU gasket plate.  If using the TPU plate, I recommend using a smooth plate if possible, with some glue as a release agent, since TPU can really stick to PEI textured plates.  Remove any parts from the included profile, which you do not intend to use.Just a note on the TPU “gasket”.  It is not going to be water tight, there are too many variables that can affect that.  The gasket can be installed using the end of a regular size sharpie to press it into place.A couple of A1 and A1 Mini labels are included, as well as a blank label, which you can customize in the slicer (on the Multicolor plate).  Also included is a label designed to be used with 12mm Brother P-Touch Labels.   Assembly info: I recommend wearing eye protection to assemble this, since there are some parts (such as the doors) need to snap in place.The latches, labels and other case parts go together similar to the case described here.  The latches are left and right side specific, and for this model, they are arranged on printed sprues with a “R” and “L” to help keep things in order.  Use a side cutter to remove the sprues from the parts before assembly.  The latches use a 20mm and 30mm SHCS.  The 20mm screw is installed last, and there is an access hole in the side of the base of the case to assist with installing the 20mm screw.  A longer latch (bambu_a1_toolbox_8e_taller_latches-l-r.stl) is included, in case the original latch is too tight.  The longer latch is also included in the 3mf profile.The cleats which the latches pull on, are located on the lid.  These parts are identical, and two are needed.  The cleats slide into position and are then held with M3x10mm SHCS screws.  If you find that the cleats are too tight to slide into position, you can sand the ears which ride in the dovetail grooves on the lid.  If you have a problem with the longer latch cleat, please post in the comments.The hinges for this case can use (2) 20-30mm SHCS screws, which simply install from the outside of the case, and go towards the center. There are several clips, which install into the parts holder module.  These clips are marked with dots which correspond to their location in the parts holder module:1 dot for the small hex wrench clip (1)2 dots for the large hex wrench clip (2)3 dots for the needle tube clip (2)The clips don't need any particular orientation, or glue, but they do need to go in the right places.  You can match up the dots on the clips with the dots on the underside of the tools insert to see which holes they go into: The dots may be hard to see when using a textured plate, but they should be easily visible on the bases of the clips: Finally. before installing the parts holder module, the four 6x3 cylinder magnets should be installed.  These are optional, and should help to hold the hotends in place.  Polarity needs to be observed on these magnets, since they need to connect with the spare hotends to help hold them in place.  The magnets install in the side of the hotend holders, using some superglue.The parts insert for this design installs into the base of the case with (4) M3x10mm SHCS screws.  There are covers for the lower left and lower right screws, which install after the insert is mounted.  The lower left screw cover is either a blank block with a post, or one with a label which says “A1” or “A1 MINI”.  The lower right screw cover is the MicroSD card holder.  Both covers simply press in place, no glue should be needed (they are a friction fit).  If they do not go in, you can lightly sand the posts to help with installation.The cutter holder installs with (2) M3x20-25mm SHCS screws (see step 5 here for more info).  Prior to installing the cutter holder, make sure to install the 4 plastic tabs, which will only install one way.  These tabs keep the cutters from falling out.The doors in the case will also need to be installed (see step 6 here for more info).  The doors have a top and bottom latch, which sandwich over the door.  The top latch has a tab, and can either be printed in one color or two colors, but in both cases, the tabs are printed in place.  Pop the tab loose prior to installing the latches.  The latches install using (2) M3x6mm BHCS screws, which install from the bottom of the latch.  Once the latches are installed on the doors, check that they operate smoothly.  To install the doors, set one side in, then at a low angle (almost closed), push the remaining side in place.  A small flat head screwdriver may help if the hinge tabs are not seating.The TPU gasket only installs one way, and take note of the textured side, which faces out.  To install the TPU gasket, I used a regular size sharpie pen, and pressed a 25mm section in place about midway along each side.  Then I used the rounded end of the pen to press the gasket into position around each corner.  The labels install by popping them into place.  They can be removed using a flat head screwdriver to pry them out, if they need to be changed later. Thanks and acknowledgements:Although I did not directly remix from the following designs below, I did use dimensions from several A1 and A1 MINI spare parts holders, as well as community feedback, in order to make the pockets for all the tools (since I don't have any of the tools).  So thanks to the following designers for sharing their models:A1 Accessories Tray V3  (by Redev22 @ Maker World) which is a remix of “V2 Accessories Tray for A1 Mini - 4 Nozzles” ( by jponky @ Maker World)A1 Tool Box - Rugged (top remix - inlay remix) (by 3DMetalCave @ Maker World) -  which is a remix  of “A1 Tool Box - Rugged (top remixed)” (by geekm0nkey @ Maker World), which is a remix of the source design “A1 Tool Box - Rugged” (by tooling_lee @ Maker World))The A1 Hotend model by MaG on GrabCAD was also helpful to verify the fit of the hotends and socks (https://grabcad.com/library/bambulab-a1-hotend-1).This case is also designed to be used with the following printable tool and spare Bowden holder for the A1 / A1 Mini:PTFE Tube Remover V2.1 for the A1 (by R3DPanda @ Maker World) (makerworld.com/en/models/79328)Bowden holder for A1 / A1 mini ( 5 pipes ) (by marpicio7 @ Maker World) (makerworld.com/en/models/99687)Thanks especially to the following awesome users here, who helped to test the tool holders for me, and provided great feedback to improve the design:Mici (also on MakerWorld) for helping to test some of the first prototype holders, and providing detailed feedback!  Net7 who posted the first make of the first iteration of the tool holder module and provided great feedback.Momor who posted a make, and very helpful feedback, including accurate dimensions which were key to getting some of the parts holders dialed in.Also thanks to PewPew1374, who offered to help with testing the prototype holders.If you have feedback on the design, please post it in the comments.  If you like this design, but want to remix the tools insert to use with the spares for a different printer, you can find the blank insert modules here.  They work with the basic MiniBFS, which this design is also based on.  Note that only the insert modules are remixable (not the cases). If you find these models useful, please post a like or a comment with some pics of your prints. You can find the other things I'm working on at my blog here.  You can also follow me here on Printables or Maker World to see what new stuff I post.  If you would like to support my work, you can Buy Me A Coffee using this link:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mystoopidstuff Thanks for looking! Update 4/29/2024 - I updated the 3MF to fix the “R” and “L” labels on the latches, which were reversed.  The current 3MF is BFS_MINI_7KB_A1_SPARES_CASE.STL.Update 6/19/2024 - Due to a report of a cracked latch mount on the case, I updated the latch clasp with “Bambu_A1_toolbox_8E_REG_LATCHES-L-R.STL”. This file is updated in the 3MF as well.  Additionally, if the regular latch is too tight, there is an alternative STL for a slightly taller latch named “Bambu_A1_toolbox_8E_TALLER_LATCHES-L-R.stl”, which you can try.  I have tested both, as well as the original, and all work on my case, but the “Regular” version in the 3mf is probably the best.Update 6/20/2024 - The latest version 8P of the design is uploaded.  It includes many fixes and optimizations which were based on feedback (thanks!).  The updated 3mf is A1_SPARES_CASE_V8P.3mf.  Update 7/30/2024 - Thanks to the feedback from NickJohnson, this has been updated with some optimizations to the tool holder module.  The current version is ver1.3.Update 8/22/2024 - Thanks to some additional feedback from sxlx007, this has been updated with a small optimization to the tool holder module (for the small hex wrench).  The current version is ver1.4.  The image below shows the modification which increased the pocket for the small hex wrench by a small amount.  The clip was also widened.