Mini Pro 5.1 (case for Mac mini M4 + external ssd) by RS.3DP

RS.3DP

Hobby & DIY>Electronics

IP Report

Print Profile(2)

All

P1S

P1P

X1 Carbon

X1E

0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 25% infill

Designer

15.1 h

4 plates

4.9(7)

version v2, separate handles option, stronger internal frame

Designer

25.6 h

5 plates

4.5(4)

Open in Bambu Studio

Boost

129

288

191

Released

Description

Case for Apple Mac Mini M4 with a space for external ssd. Inspired by Apple Mac Pro 5.1.

Case provides space for up to 2 external ssds. I'm using it with Ugreen Thunderbolt 4 enclousure and 2tb ssd to get fast external disk. All in neat single package without dongles laying around.

Temps are similar to stock M4 mac mini. SSD is also quite cool. I've put some thermal pads between enclosure and Mac Mini case to transfer heat, and small radiator, mostly to wedge it against case side panel.

The case has internal frame that holds mac mini. DO NOT transport Your mac mini by holding this frame! It is not secure enough. It is only meant to slide Mac and disks out of the case. Internal frame has integral supports (those pins). Just snap them (some may fall by themselves).
I've used glue for printing the frame. If you have problems with adhesion, glue or use brim.

There are 2 side panel variants - with or without logo.

Button - insert it inside main case and use a bit of tape to secure it in place. It will still work and it would be easier to slide Your Mac inside.

Update 11 Feb 2025

Added v2 print profile:
- main frame with separate handles for smoother surface print (not print tested yet - please let me know if it works good). You have to glue handles to main frame.
- stronger internal frame with separate ledge. Should not snap when removed from print plate. Still - wait 15-20 min for print plate to cool down. Separation would me much easier.

If You have any wishes please comment :)

Comment & Rating (38)

@Zhats

Boosted

took some liberty and printed the legs and handle separately to see how the quality would be. I don’t even own a Mac mini yet. great design, highly recommend printing them separate as you can see they’re much more clean

The designer has replied

@user_29878563

I've made version with separate handles, but with different cuts - so that area for glueing would be bigger. See version v2 print profile. :)

@Zhats

Boosted

Replying to @user_29878563 :

oh man. you are a genius!! It looks great. I'd definitely printing it again once I get my silver filament

@zlbank

Boosted

Looking forward to improvements

The designer has replied

Show original

@user_29878563

How it broke? While putting it on Mac mini, while fitting SSD inside, or during use?

@zlbank

Boosted

Replying to @user_29878563 :

When removing from the build plate

Show original

@user_29878563

Replying to @zlbank :

I've made internal frame with reinforcements (and option for shelf) :) See version v2 print profile.

@TYCoonTu

Boosted

The separately printed shell is excellent, a truly outstanding creation

Show original

@herhusky

Boosted

This is such an adorable concept and really well executed. I’m glad to see you’ve added a new profile with a reinforced cage since I first downloaded the file. I had initially printed everything in Matte PLA and that first cage snapped in half. my solution was to re-print just the cage in PETG-CF which is working great for now, but a beefier cage should definitely go a long way. Another nitpick I have is that that the aligned rectilinear surface pattern you selected resulted in some texture discontinuities that I wasn’t a fan of. I changed it to monotonic line and was much happier with the way the uniformity of the surface finish. As an unintended bonus, the direction of the lines on the apple itself go the opposite direction, resulting a neat darker appearance of the logo, similar to how it looks on the real thing. Edit: forgot to label which is which. My modified part is the one installed on the case. The original part is the one positioned next to the case.

(Edited)

The designer has replied

@user_29878563

Nice! I was concerned about direction of lines on logo that's why I've used rectilinear, but now I see that monotonic looks better :)

@zlbank

Boosted

The design is superb, however, the internal partition railings and the hard drive cradle are rather fragile and prone to breakage. It's truly exceptional; I eagerly anticipate an improved iteration.

Show original

@huzicpat

Print Profile

0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 25% infill

@huzicpat

Print Profile

version v2, separate handles option, stronger internal frame

@Jerrodh

Great design! Definitely superior to my version of the same concept. :-)

The designer has replied

@user_29878563

Thx man! I was inspired by YT videos featuring Your Mac Mini Pro :)

@Zhats

Boosted

Amazing design

The designer has replied

@user_29878563

Than You for kind words and boost!

@user_367515396

I don’t have a Mac but man that is a slick design. Great Job!!!

The designer has replied

@user_29878563

Thx!

License

This user content is licensed under a Standard Digital File License.

You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.

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Print Profile(2)

Description

Comment & Rating (38)

License

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