10" 8 HDD 3U Lightweight Hex Rack

Optimized remix of the original 8 HDD 3U hot-swappable rack for 10-inch server racks with integrated hexagonal ventilation cutouts.

Main goals of this remix:

• Reduced material usage (~31% less)
• Faster print time (~30min faster)
• Maintain support-free printing
• Preserve structural stability
• Improve airflow potential with hex ventilation

Compared to the original version:

• Reduced weight from 676 g to 463 g
• Around 30 minutes faster print time
• Hexagonal airflow cutouts integrated without requiring supports
• Clean and modern hex-pattern appearance
• Optimized geometry for efficient printing

The hexagonal ventilation holes were specifically designed and oriented to remain printable without supports while still maintaining good structural integrity.

Temperature impact testing of the hex ventilation on HDD cooling performance is still ongoing as the full LabRax setup is currently being rebuilt.

Features:

• Supports-free printing
• 8x 3.5" HDD support
• 3U height for 10" racks
• Hot-swappable tray compatibility
• Hexagonal airflow optimization
• Lightweight construction
• Rear fan support compatibility
• Fast-print optimized profile

Perfect for:

• Homelabs
• NAS systems
• LabRax setups
• DIY servers
• Storage arrays
• Compact rack builds

STEP files and modular scaling from the original project remain highly compatible with this remix concept.

It is designed to work with standard Dell 3.5" hot-swap server caddies.

You'll need:
6× Dell server HDD caddies
6× SATA male-to-female 22-pin adapters
12× M3 nuts
12× M3×12 screws

I use refurbished Dell caddies from AliExpress. Search for:
"3.5'' SAS SATA Hard Drive Tray Caddy for Dell PowerEdge R730/R720/R710... (KG1CH / 058CWC)"

For the hot-swappable SATA connection, search for:
"SATA Male to Female Power Data Converter 22Pin (7+15) SATA Adapter"

These parts are inexpensive and work perfectly with this design.