The HomeCube (main page) - a smarter printer enclosure for the Prusa I3 Mk3 and other printers

prusaprinters

<p><strong>NOTE:</strong> Since prusaprinters (currently) has no function to upload (respectively download) directories, I will upload this as a multipart project. The file set on this “model” page only contains the basic files to build the enclosure itself. For additional parts (optional functions, special compatibility, and the like) I created remix pages, so please have a look at the remix list below as well to make your enclosure fit your requirements as far as possible.<br>The project manual found on this page, however, covers all cases of application including the options/alternatives. I recommend to first download the manual to get an overview of the scope of possibilities.</p><h4><strong>SO, WHAT IS THIS?</strong></h4><p>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).</p><p>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:</p><ul><li><strong>Non-invasive</strong> integration of the Prusa I3 Mk3 (and maybe Mk2 as well?)</li><li><strong>Base-mounted</strong> PTFE tube guidance for an MMU2 or similar multifilament systems (like the <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/the-smuff/home">SMuFF</a>, for example)</li><li>Variable cabinet size to fit individual needs</li><li>Side mount for PSU and/or Octopi</li><li>An included <strong>modular</strong> (yet optional) spool holder system</li><li>Horizontal cabinet illumination</li><li>Temperature sensor equipment</li><li>...and some utils and conversion options.</li></ul><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h4>Customization</h4><p>As said before, this is a multipart project. This file set contains only the basic parts that are needed in any case to build the enclosure. Most likely you will need at least one additional fileset, the <a href="https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/99113-the-homecube-additional-universal-parts">additional universal parts.</a> Here is a complete linked list of the (currently) available additions:</p><p><strong>File sets to add special features (printer-independent):</strong><br><a href="https://www.printables.com/model/99113-the-homecube-additional-universal-parts"><strong>Additional universal parts</strong></a> - these are the most essential extra parts you may want/need independently from what kind of printer you use.<br><a href="https://www.printables.com/model/99169-the-homecube-case-illumination"><strong>Case illumination</strong></a> - parts to add lighting to your Cube.<br><a href="https://www.printables.com/model/99142-the-homecube-spool-holders"><strong>Original HomeCube spool holders</strong></a> - the (very versatile) spool holders I designed specifically, yet not only, for the HomeCube.<br><a href="https://www.printables.com/model/99251-the-homecube-temp-measuring"><strong>Temperature measurement</strong></a> - these are the printed parts needed to guide/place temperature sensors inside the HomeCube.</p><p><strong>Files needed for seamless integration of special printer models/configurations:</strong><br><a href="https://www.printables.com/model/99081-the-homecube-prusa-i3-mk3-integration"><strong>Prusa I3 Mk3 integration</strong></a> - these are the parts needed for the non-invasive integration of the Prusa I3 Mk3 (and maybe Mk2 as well?).<br><a href="https://www.printables.com/model/99282-the-homecube-bear-frame-adaption"><strong>Bear Frame adaption</strong></a> - for an I3 Mk3 equipped with the <a href="https://github.com/gregsaun/prusa_i3_bear_upgrade">Bear Frame upgrade,</a> two special parts are needed for integration.<br><a href="https://www.printables.com/model/99232-the-homecube-mmu-integration"><strong>MMU integration</strong></a> - additional parts needed to use an MMU(2) or SMuFF inside the HomeCube.</p><p><strong>Files needed to use alternative hardware:</strong><br><a href="https://www.printables.com/model/99300-the-homecube-6mm-slot-profile-alternative"><strong>6 mm slot profile alternative</strong></a> - these files enable you to build a HomeCube using 2020 aluminium profiles with a 6 mm slot (instead of 5 mm).<br><a href="https://www.printables.com/model/99296-the-homecube-thicker-door-magnets"><strong>Thicker door magnets</strong></a> - with these files, you may use 2 or 3 mm magnet plates instead of 1 mm.</p><p>More to come… if you have designed or remixed special parts for the HomeCube on your own, please contact me if you would like to see your link added to the list.</p><p>My own printer housing, as yet, has been on duty for about three years now. Some parts were improved in that time, some were added, more will surely be added in the future.&nbsp;<br>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. Although the file set was already downloaded about 3,500 times on Thingiverse, I still haven't received feedback about that question.<br>If you have your own ideas how to extend the HomeCube's functionality, you're welcome to upload remixes on your own, of course.<br>And of course I would love to see "makes" of my "thing".</p>