A while back I used my Bambu Lab A1 3d printer to produce the parts for a 10" rack to house my network gear. I was not quite happy with how the modem was perched on top. The rack is modular so I just needed to print off an extra side piece and some shelves. Previously the sides each had a large and a small piece, so I just needed to swap things around.
There were some challenges. I found out that the modem would not quite fit between the sides of a shelf so I just turned it upside down. The shelves are only half the depth of the rack and I needed another at the back to stop the modem falling off.
I have the power strip hanging off some screws in a blank panel at the back. I reinforced that with some wood. Sometimes you can just improvise and it is easier than designing a new model. I can now just unplug a couple of cables and move the whole thing if necessary. You may notice a change of colour on one shelf where I ran out of filament and just swapped to the other reel I had. I had bought a pack of screws for this on ebay and this expansion used up the last of them. The whole thing probably cost about £20. If I want more network devices I will need a switch as I am using all the modem ports.
I do not get many failed prints, but the ends of this shelf were not sticking to the bed. I cleaned that to try again. You can see how the shelf is largely hollow and so are most models so you are not using as much filament as you might expect.
I have not printed too much else recently, but I browse the library and find the odd item that looks fun. This is a train whistle that sounds like an old steam train.
These cable clips tidy up my Ikea Jerker desk.
I will try to find time to design some of my own models, but there are so many out there already to cover many needs. Some of the designers are amazing. I can see how they get obsessed with this hobby.
I like the idea of stacking tech, too. I don't have a 3-D printer to make cool stuff, but I did purchase some metal stands with adjustable height legs to store computers and hard drives more efficiently. I even got one that had drawers and pencil/pen holders. All metal with holes/screen design to allow maximum airflow.
I started with a set of two and liked them so much I bough two more and then began buying them for my family. They function as monitor stands, Mac Mini stands, laptop stands, podcast gear stands, etc. The adjustable legs are a nice bonus. Now my studio sets have tech specific areas and stay cool because of the screened design.
Geez, I had no idea I had so much to say about a simple purchase. Thanks for posting about your cool and functional 3-D printing. You've got me thinking about some other items I've had on my wish list for my studio space. Organization stuff which some may think is boring, but I can totally geek out once I dive into it.
The 3d printing crowd love organisation systems. I have used one to tidy some drawers full of cables and things. I also have a little shelf unit I printed for my audio interface. You are limited on size of parts and somewhat on strength, but there is a lot you can do. Specialist racking can be expensive, but people will hack things like Ikea shelves as an alternative. I'd be interested to see what you used. I love to see things like studio set-ups to get ideas.
!BEER
The most important thing is that it was made in Steevc, made and patented by you, mister.
Well I didn't design it, so can't claim any credit for that. I'm just showing what is possible.
LMAO, love the simple solutions.
Do you host anything, or just use the rack to tidy up the network look?
I'm not hosting anything, but this makes it tidy. I like the idea of running a Hive node, but need to learn what is involved.
That's pretty cool. It's amazing the kind of stuff you can make with 3D printers these days.
I have been impressed with it. The precision and finish of the parts is great, but the design is crucial.
I'm still kicking around buying one. The Bambu seems like a really good product.
Got for it. I'm sure you'll find uses for it.
I heard a lot about bambu lab from the youtubers that does 3d printing. It seems to be a very good brand. A great adition to the rack would be a slider to get easier access maybe?
These printers are easy to use with good results. I looked at 3d printing years ago and it was more complicated then. There are all sorts of accessories you can print for this sort of rack as it is a standard. This is okay for my needs.
it's pretty usefull to make stuff for everyday diy
That's the idea, but you can get very creative with it.
@steevc, I really admire your ability to improvise and solve problems on the fly, you are a very skilled maker
I'm not really, but I can draw on the experience of others.
Those little improvisations might make the biggest difference ;)
Update: @steevc, I paid out 7.722 HIVE and 0.000 HBD to reward 9 comments in this discussion thread.