Bug X-Port

The Bug X-Port is a practical lock solution for safely transferring feeder insects such as fruit flies or TerFlys. With this system, feeder insects can be moved from one breeding container to another container or box without insects escaping when the containers are separated. However, the Bug X-Port can also be used without the second component. If a single component is glued to the breeding container, the slider can be used as a practical closure flap to pour feeder insects directly from the container into the terrarium in a controlled manner

Functionality

The Bug X-Port consists of two components that are screwed together via a thread

Each component has its own slider, so both sides can be opened and completely closed again independently. This creates a lock: While the components are screwed together, both sliders can be opened so that the feeder insects can get from the breeding container to the collection box. Then both sliders are closed again. Since both sides are now closed, the two components can be safely separated from each other without insects escaping

Only a short piece of filament is needed as a hinge for the sliders, which is pushed through the designated holes

Printing Notes

To ensure clean print quality, the model was **divided at 14.9 mm height in Bambu Studio** and provided with connectors. The reason for this is that the slot for the slider is difficult to print reliably even with supports

After printing, the two halves of each component must be carefully glued together

Recommended Print Settings

• Material: PLA (or a material of your choice)
• Supports: Not required
• Carefully glue the two halves together after printing

Assembly

1. Print all parts
2. Glue the two halves of each component together
3. Insert the sliders
4. Push a piece of filament through the designated holes as a hinge
5. Glue one component onto the container with the feeder insects
6. Glue the second component onto a collection box or another container, for example, an empty feeder container

For a permanently stable connection, I recommend lightly roughing the adhesive surfaces before gluing

Usage

1. Screw both components together
2. Open both sliders
3. By lightly tapping or shaking, allow the desired amount of feeder insects to move from the breeding container to the collection box
4. Close both sliders again
5. Now the two components can be safely separated from each other, as both sides are closed again

The process can be repeated as often as desired

Note

The Bug X-Port was developed to significantly reduce the risk of feeder insects escaping during transfer. For the best possible function, the parts should be cleanly printed, carefully glued, and precisely assembled

I hope the Bug X-Port makes handling your feeder insects easier