OpenFormicaria - A Modular ant housing platform

prusaprinters

<h3>OpenFormicaria</h3> <p>A Open Source modular ant formicarium and home with simple space saving connectors.</p> <h3>Updates/Changelog</h3> <p><strong>2020.11.02</strong></p> <ul> <li>Added 6xGateway<ul> <li>More space or broader attachement to other modules!</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>2020.11.01</strong></p> <ul> <li>Small fixes</li> <li>Added Connector raiser for CV1 and CV2. With that, you can connect modules like the Portal to a formicarium without it floating! </li> <li>Added Separators, only CV2. This allows you separate connected modules while blocking both ends!</li> </ul> <p><strong>2020.11.01</strong></p> <ul> <li>Fixed m3 boreholes</li> <li>Updated the Portal Lid to accomodate the borehole</li> <li>Introduce the Connector Version 2!<ul> <li>Improved design, now also able to prevent escapee ants when changing connectors or modules!</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>2020.10.30</strong></p> <ul> <li>Added Size M Formicarizm with a Lasius inspired filling! Download or check the Zip file</li> </ul> <h3>Features</h3> <p>Check the READMEs in the folders for more detailed information and dimensions</p> <p>Image gallery: <a href="https://imgur.com/a/OinBO6c">https://imgur.com/a/OinBO6c</a></p> <h3>Connector Version 2 (CV2) and Connector Version 1</h3> <p>There are two version available, both are similar in design with version 2 being improved. The only reason not to use CV2 is if you do not have any flexible filament, CV1 will work for you in that case.</p> <p>With CV2 you can seemlessly switch connectors that are in use, for example allowing you to block passages between modules by switching out a Connector with a Blocker.</p> <p>Note that all CV2 connectors <strong>have</strong> to be printed in TPU or any flexible material.</p> <h3>Connectors</h3> <ul> <li>Connector that connects two modules</li> <li>Connector that connects two modules but block the path</li> <li>Tube Connectors for 10mm, 12mm and 14mm inner circumference</li> <li>Connnector Raiser</li> <li>Separator (CV2 Only)</li> <li>Endcap if nothing gets attached to a connection endpoint<ul> <li>A bit nicer looking than a block connector but cannot be used to connect two modules</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h4>Connector Roadmap</h4> <ul> <li>Angle connectors (90°)</li> </ul> <h3>Modules (Both availabe in CV1 and CV2 versions)</h3> <ul> <li>Portal - Module with feeding and air ports, first small outworld with 4 connection ports</li> <li>4xGateway - A small 4x connection port gateway</li> <li>6xGateway - More space or broader attachement to other modules!</li> </ul> <h3>Formicarium (Both availabe in CV1 and CV2 versions)</h3> <ul> <li>Formicarium Size S Template<ul> <li>Lasius style interior</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h4>Formicarium Roadmap</h4> <ul> <li>Size M and L, maybe XL?</li> <li>More interior</li> </ul> <h3>Printing recommendation</h3> <ul> <li>Use PLA or other mold resistant material for modules and formicaria</li> <li>TPU or similar flex material is recommended for Connectors in general.<ul> <li>Tube connectors that attach to test tubes HAVE to be TPU (Maybe this can be improved?)</li> </ul> </li> <li>CV2 Connectors have to be printed in TPU/Flex</li> <li>0.2mm layer hight is sufficient for all files</li> <li>15% infill is sufficient</li> </ul> <h3>Starting Out</h3> <h3>A initial home</h3> <p>If you have a test tube setup and you think your ants are ready for their first scavenging outside of it but still to small for a proper outworld, you can use a Portal! This allows you to connect several other modules and connectors to it.</p> <p>Here is a list of the Items you should print for a base kit with a Portal. Once you have that, you can expand as needed!<br/> Note that I do recommend printing all CV2 if you have a flexible filament available.</p> <h4>The Base Kit</h4> <ul> <li>1x Portal<ul> <li>2x Portal Feeder Lids</li> <li>1x Portal Lid</li> </ul> </li> <li>2x Separators (CV2 Only)</li> <li>3x Endpoint Blocker</li> <li>1x Tube connector fitting your test tube size</li> </ul>