"Mac mini Pro" enclosure for M4 Mac mini

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"Mac mini Pro" enclosure for M4 Mac mini

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Print Profile(4)

All
X1 Carbon
P1S
P1P
X1
X1E
A1
A1 mini

Nov 17 [Adjusted supports for Bambu Studio 1.10]
Nov 17 [Adjusted supports for Bambu Studio 1.10]
Designer
14.1 h
6 plates
4.8(43)

Skateboard Bearing (608) Size Wheels
Skateboard Bearing (608) Size Wheels
22 min
1 plate
5.0(1)

Mac mini 4 Support Optimized Version  Crucial: Please read the configuration notes!!!
Mac mini 4 Support Optimized Version Crucial: Please read the configuration notes!!!
11.7 h
5 plates
5.0(1)

Colorized Logo Plate Only
Colorized Logo Plate Only
3.3 h
2 plates

Open in Bambu Studio
Boost
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Released

Description

11/17/2024 UPDATE

  • I have begun offering commercial licenses for sale of physical prints of these and other related prints. You can find more information on my Patreon page. Currently the only licensed reseller is Mandarin3D – all other prints you may see on Amazon, Etsy, Shopify and others are unauthorized uses of this intellectual property.
  • Personal prints for non-commercial use, are, of course, still 100% free as normal.

11/14/2024 UPDATE

11/13/2024 UPDATE

 

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Mac mini Pro enclosure for M4 Mac mini

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Do you remember the adorable miniature PowerMac G5 model on Steve's desk at his Palo Alto home? With the new 5-inch square M4 Mac mini, now you can have your very own functional “Mac Pro mini” or “Mac mini Pro” with just a bit of 3D printing.

 

The M4 Mac mini  slides into the rear of the 3D-printed shell of the Mac Pro case, and is held in securely. All ports remain functional, and the power button is prominently and readily accessible via a push-through button in the case. Be aware I will be revising the power button pass-through in the next iteration.

 

The top handles, feet, and optional wheel hubs print separately and can be glued into the case. The optional wheels themselves are actually 6800-2RS Ball Bearings, available inexpensively on Amazon. Alternatively, I provide tires and rims you can print in lieu of using the bearings.

 

Please stay tuned for more tweaks, and let me know what you think! You can follow my progress updates on Mastodon.

 

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Print and assembly notes:

  • Assembly here should be fairly self-explanatory, with a few quick notes:
  • Use the pre-sliced files (at least for the main case) to get my suggested manual supports. 
    • PrusaSlicer files are available in the “STL/CAD” files download section
    • Bambu 3MF is via the main print profile
  • PLA is fine for all of this.
    • You can lightly paint the main case with “aluminum-finish” Rustoleum spray paint for a bead-blasted aluminum look.
  • The handles, feet, and wheel hubs should fit snugly into the holes in the main case. 
    • Lightly sand if the tolerances are too tight. Use a dab of CA glue if your tolerances are too loose.
  • There are three options for the feet:
    1. Fixed feet
    2. Ball-bearing wheels:
      1. Assemble the wheel hub, axle, and axle spacer with a dab of CA glue.
      2. Add a 6800-2RS ball-bearing to each axle with a dab of CA glue on the inner race of the bearing.
    3. Printed-tire wheels:
      1. Assemble the wheel hub, axle, and axle spacer with a dab of CA glue.
      2. Add a printed tire to each axle (no glue).
      3. Add the tire rim between each tire and axle with a dab of CA glue between axle and rim.

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Usage notes:

  1. First, insert the power button into the hole from the inside of the enclosure, and make sure it is rotated correctly so it seats flat against the interior surface.
  2. Insert the Mac Mini from behind the enclosure. It should slide in snug but not too tight. If necessary, clean up any sagging bridges on the interior ceiling.
  3. Insert the power button spacer into the rear fairing and slide them together in behind the Mac mini.
  4. Check the functionality of the power button. It should press and retract without binding. If it's a little sticky, make sure the holes are free of defects and trim/sand smooth as needed.
  5. Enjoy!

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11/10/2024 UPDATES

I have had a few requests to cover the underside of the mini as an alternate aesthetic. Provided are two options:

  • A circular plate with Apple logo, meant to be attached to the mini with double-stick tape for a clean look and minimal blockage of the intake/exhaust
  • An alternate main case incorporating the cover plate with a single print. This has some blockage of the vents, but I expect the effect on thermals would be minimal.

  '

  • Next updates will be main case options: 
    - with/without LED light passthrough
    - with/without headphone jack port
    - flipped with the mini's base on the opposite side (careful, simply mirroring the current design won't work!)

11/09/2024 UPDATES

  • Very slight tweaks to front port-hole centering
  • Slight tweaks to open up power-button clearances (hopefully less cleanup required for smooth operation)
  • Bambu users should download the “Verified Fit! (Nov 9)” print profile.
  • PrusaSlicer users should click “Download STL/CAD files” and choose the 3MF files for PrusaSlicer:

11/08/2024 UPDATES

  • Added printable tire option for wheel hubs – use tire and rims in addition to “hub, spacer, and axle” used with the 6800 bearings.
  • Added option for fixed-foot with integral baseplate for extra stability
  • Added Apple Logo to case wall
  • Cleanup of main case and rear fairing. 
    • Removed material from thick wall
    • Aided bridging of the ceiling
    • Deepened holes for main handles and feet – fit is snug enough that glue should be optional now.
  • Fit checks done! Tiny tweaks to come soon.


Please see the “Boost Me” link below to support my design work and iterative improvements as I work on them!

Boost Me (for free)

Please leave a boost to support me as I continue to make refinements:
- Fit adjustments after release [PENDING]
- Assembly documentation

 

Note: Mac mini may no longer be carbon-neutral when wrapped in a whimsical shroud of PLA. Consider recycling your filament.

 


Here is a video feature by YouTube creator Matt Talks Tech:

 

Related models for M4 Mac Mini:

Related models for Mac Studio and M1-M2 Mac mini:

Related models, other:

Comment & Rating (181)

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printed with .12mm layer height and slowed outer walls to 100 since I want it to be perfect when sitting on my desk forever. the tree supports are a bit too snug, even after upping the Z distance on top to .21mm. the wheel feet didn’t fit. but I love the look of the regular feet anyways. also, wasn’t sure how to put the wheels together so they still roll. thank you so much for making this file. you’re making many nerds very happy. also, this is with the new neon green and the hot pink PLA basic.
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Thank you to the creator for the model. The main body fits well upon installation, but I’ve encountered a few issues that I’d like to provide feedback on for possible optimization. First, the button design is not very practical and doesn’t function properly. Secondly, the wheels don’t align with the holes, making installation impossible. Have you considered using multi-color printing to add a logo on the side? Looking forward to the latest version from the creator!
The designer has replied
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See the update I just posted — my own test fit with a slightly tweaked model (was Beta 2) went really well. It also includes an Apple logo. As far as I can tell, the main thing that I need to do now is revise the power button (thanks) and slightly adjust the centering of the ports in front. Thanks!
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Replying to @Jerrodh :
Awesome! I’ll print Beta 2 right away, and I’ll provide more feedback if I run into any issues. Thanks!
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Replying to @271_ :
Try cleaning up the power-button hole, spacer, and button -- maybe with a small round file or sandpaper. Mine started moving very freely after just a little but of cleanup and I suspect it would work fine. Next revision, I'll add some more clearance.
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Print Profile
Nov 17 [Adjusted supports for Bambu Studio 1.10]
Oh my gosh, this thing is so cute. What a good design. you’re a genius. Hope you don’t mind the new profile for 608 bearings! I had so many from Creality days… It had to be done.
The designer has replied
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Love it - thanks for the contribution! 608 is indeed far more common in our community. I thought the 6800 would be a slightly better look, but this looks great too!
1
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what colour PLA did you look? it looks so identical to the real Mac Pro
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Boosted
Print Profile
Nov 17 [Adjusted supports for Bambu Studio 1.10]
The project itself is interesting and likeable. Claims only to the profile in which the support is not competently built. I advise the author to correct them and it will be wonderful. I had to carefully cut them off with a knife for 15 minutes so as not to break the structure.
The designer has replied
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Thanks for printing and reviewing! I'll say this -- the print profile and support strategy was a conscious choice. To better support the interior roof would use a lot of additional material and time for the tall supports. As it is not a visually important area, I chose to design the interior ceiling to be progressively bridged over a few layers, and it works reliably even when one's setup is not perfectly tuned. Yes, some sagging bridges may need to be trimmed, but this is the better compromise, in my opinion. Even if the cleanup is imperfect, it generally only helps the Mac mini fit more snugly. As for the supports that are present -- the vertical supports of the back edge of the circular opening were necessary in my testing to keep that thin tower from wobbling around and staying firm until the upper overhangs are joined near the top. If you find these or the others too difficult to remove, increase your support-separation distance a bit. In the end, it may be nice to have an alternate print profile with a different support strategy uploaded to this model for those who prefer that approach. You're welcome to provide one here!
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I want to follow up: I just took another few prints off the printer, and I revise my response — you’re right. The supports in the latest version are much bulkier than intended and harder to remove than in previous versions of the profile. This is particularly true surrounding the thin rear edge of the circular opening. I’m not sure if this is an issue I caused or something related to the latest version of the slicer that just came out. I will investigate and upload a revised slice profile later tonight. Thanks @RuvimKUB!
(Edited)
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Boosted
Print Profile
Nov 17 [Adjusted supports for Bambu Studio 1.10]
it fits really well!
The designer has replied
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What filament and color are you using?
Show original
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Boosted
Replying to @YeeWee :
Silver PLA Silk
Show original
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That looks excellent! Nice job. PLA Silk, or painted?
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Thanks for the boosts and comments, y'all. I hope to add a few nice features and continue with several print-and-test iterations this week as the mini starts shipping and I have hardware in-hand. Just wanted to get this out there for early feedback and iterate on it in public. I'll change the title to make it clear when everything is fully tested and complete.
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Looks incredible! With the right Filament this joins my yellow Apple Setup! Thank you !!!!
The designer has replied
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🔥
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I absolutely love your design, it's fantastic! I have a suggestion, could you create a version with the airflow on the right side? I tend to place my models on my desk, so right-side airflow would be ideal. It would be amazing if you could do that. Thank you so much!
Show original
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Print Profile
Nov 17 [Adjusted supports for Bambu Studio 1.10]
This thing is amazing! I’m enamored. Ran into some minor inconveniences with the print profiles (unoptimized settings, weird support, color mismatches) that I will upload a profile with fixes for soon. Overall very happy with the final result! Thanks so much for sharing.
The designer has replied
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Looks fantastic! The painted-on supports were due to some difficulty I had in my test print with the overhangs at the top of the circular opening, but also for structurally supporting the thin back edge as it got tall. Without the mid-height support, it is easy for that to wiggle and print poorly or risk failure. I'm thinking of offering an alternate main case that should print entirely without supports, but it would be an option as it might further affect the thermals. Here's a peek:
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Boosted
This came out great! I printed the case with Bambu PLA Matte and the handles with PLA Basic (then added some paint to make them shiny). I had a few issues with the matte PLA warping and getting stringy along the top, but where it sits on my desk I don't mind. If I were to print it again, I'd use the silver PLA for everything and still paint the handles. Thanks for sharing this model!
The designer has replied
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Looks great! Thanks for the boost!
(Edited)
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License

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