NEW V2! Left+Right Versions and Faster w/ fewer supports
Designer
10.4 h
6 plates
5.0(15)
Original V1 (11/17/24)
Designer
14.1 h
6 plates
4.8(68)
Mac mini 4 Support Optimized Version Crucial: Please read the configuration notes!!!
11.7 h
5 plates
5.0(4)
Skateboard Bearing (608) Size Wheels
22 min
1 plate
5.0(2)
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Open in Bambu Studio
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1693
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Description
Recent Updates
12/20/2024 UPDATE
ALL-NEW VERSION 2 DESIGN! Mac mini now installs from the side rather than from the rear, with several benefits:
Prints faster, with only minimal supports for the I/O openings
Circle pattern array is now on the back side also
Both side covers now print flat, so they can both now easily support an AMS/MMU 2-color print for the Apple logo with minimal additional print time
Two versions of the main case are provided, designed to insert the mini from either the left or right sides. You may have a preference based on which side of your monitor you put the case.
The “top” (square) and “bottom” (circular) side covers are compatible with both versions. The square one snaps into the case securing the mini, and the circular one can be affixed to the bottom of the mini with double-sided foam tape.
The original V1 design is still provided as an alternate print profile.
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.
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:
Fixed feet
Ball-bearing wheels:
Assemble the wheel hub, axle, and axle spacer with a dab of CA glue.
Add a 6800-2RS ball-bearing to each axle with a dab of CA glue on the inner race of the bearing.
Printed-tire wheels:
Assemble the wheel hub, axle, and axle spacer with a dab of CA glue.
Add a printed tire to each axle (no glue).
Add the tire rim between each tire and axle with a dab of CA glue between axle and rim.
Usage notes:
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.
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.
Insert the power button spacer into the rear fairing and slide them together in behind the Mac mini.
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.
Later this week (before Christmas) I plan to release two new projects:
The first will be a “version 2” of this model, redesigned for even easier printing and use. It will print on one side using far fewer supports, and the Mac mini will install from the opposite side (both as for my Mac Studio model). I will also include a “mirrored” version for those who have been asking.
The second project is going to be a really fun modular system for the Mac mini and… similarly-sized things you might use with it. Stay tuned! ;-)
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.
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 consider boosting my projects -- it really supports my ongoing design efforts on these and other works, like my work on the Modular Wind Tunnel for STEM Education (available at Printables).
Note: Mac mini may no longer be carbon-neutral when wrapped in a whimsical shroud of PLA. Consider recycling your filament.
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Here is a video feature by YouTube creator Matt Talks Tech:
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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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