"Mac mini Pro" enclosure for M4 Mac mini

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.

12/19/2024 UPDATE

NOW IN AVAILABLE IN A “RACK MOUNT” VERSION with modules for popular accessories! 

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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.

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.

         

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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Previous Updates

12/16/2024 UPDATE

• It has been roughly six weeks now since this model was released. It has been an absolute blast to see all your makes, videos, and posts – thank you! In the meantime, I have produced a number of other related fun designs, including a version of this model for the Mac Studio and M1/M2 Mac mini, new versions designed around the 2003-2013 Cheese Grater and 2013+ “Trash Can” Mac Pro, a modern version of the G4 Cube, a colorful icon garden bouquet, a whole collection of app icons, a protective TPU bumper case, a Nintendo NES enclosure, and two really cute holiday-themed accessories. See all of these related models at the end of the description here.

   

• Later this week (before Christmas) I plan to release two new projects:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.

11/14/2024 UPDATE

• New: see also my M4 Cube - an homage to the Power Mac G4 Cube, powered by M4 Mac mini!

11/13/2024 UPDATE

• New: see also my accompanying iPhone MagSafe stand that looks like a miniature Pro Display XDR or Studio Display!
• New: if you don't have a Mac mini, I now have a standalone Mini Mac Pro here

11/10/2024 UPDATE

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!

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:

Related models for M4 Mac Mini:

• "Mac mini Pro" enclosure, (à la 2019+ Mac Pro)
• “Mac mini Trash Can” enclosure, (à la 2013-2019 Mac Pro)
• “Mac mini G5” enclosure, (à la 2003-2006 PowerMac G5 or 2006-2013 Mac Pro)
• "M4 Cube" enclosure, (à la PowerMac G4 Cube, modernized)
• “Mac mini Pro Max” MagSafe and Apple Watch charging base
• Apple Icon Garden Bouquet for M4 Mac mini
• Nintendo NES enclosure
• Protective bumper case in TPU
• Mac App Icon and Logo “Hats”
• "Gridfinity Hats”
• 6-Color Rainbow Stage MagSafe Charger
• Santa Hat
• Gift Wrap: Ribbon and Bow

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

• “Mac Studio Pro” enclosure, (à la 2019+ Mac Pro)
• Gridfinity Hats"

Related models, other:

• “iPhone XDR” - for MagSafe and StandBy mode
• Mac Pro Desk Model - standalone 3D printable display model