December 20, 2024
Description
03/17/2025 UPDATE:
Pre-painted Apple Logo on lid by default
Added module for Anker 577 13-in-1 Thunderbolt dock (based on mfr. dimensions; untested)
02/02/2025 UPDATE:
Added holes for retention screws to M4 Mac mini case (oops!).
Added ventilation slots to modules for TS3+, TS4, and OWC 1M2.
12/30/2024 UPDATE:
Incorporated final TB4 Element Hub module (per request) into the main print profile.
Added half-height rails (per request) in the main print profile. This will fit the Mac mini with 2U to spare, plus ~0.5U ventilation above and below.
Note the alternate print profile that contains additional accessories (shelf, drawers, spacers, keystone panel, cable pass-through).
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Yeah, you just knew I had to do it – turn my popular “Mac Mini Pro” enclosure into its real-life rack-mounted equivalent, with a fun twist – actual functionality!
This kit allows you to print a miniature rack system to use for a rack-mounted version of a “Mac Mini Pro”, together with many popular accessories that are similarly-sized. Each rack “1U” rack unit is 25mm high and 146mm wide between the rails – it turns out this is actually really useful for organizing a lot of gear in a clean, compact setup!
Compatible “Rack Mini” enclosures/rails are provided for:
Let me know if you have requests for other hardware adapters, or feel free to post your own and link back to here for the “system”. Provided to aid in the design of other modules are STEP (modifiable CAD) files that are sized to be empty templates in 3 sizes:
Larger sizes can be adapted easily. Subtract from these templates the geometry of the hardware you want to mount, and either tailor the clearances to provide a snug fit or add another means of securing the device inside.
All of the equipment enclosures slide into the provided vertical rack rails and can be more-securely attached to the rack with an M3 flat-head cap screw through the vertical rail into a heat-set insert in the side of the module rail-slide. The rack itself can even be secured to the tabletop using the countersunk holes on the footer piece.
Most of these items are easy to print with minimal supports, if any – even the rack-mount M4 Mac Mini Pro case. Use the recommended settings in the provided print profile.
Nothing major to note here. It should be reasonably self-evident where to put the M3 heat-set inserts and how things go together. I use M3 inserts 4mm long and FHCS M3x8.
The lid for the Mac Mini Pro rack enclosure is secured with four 10x3 refrigerator magnets. These can be pressed in, or, if too loose, secured with a dab of CA glue. Be careful of the polarity.
Note: I recommend installing the M4 mini on the base of the rack unit with 1U to spare for cooling airflow. I would not recommend putting any equipment modules directly beneath the Mac mini – this will starve the intake and exhaust of open area for airflow to the thermal management system.
12/28/2024 UPDATE:
Fixed TB4 Element Hub in response to feedback.
12/27/2024 UPDATE:
Added equipment module for CalDigit TB4 Element Hub as a user request, as a separate print profile. Beta release only – fit check pending requestor feedback.
12/25/2024 UPDATE:
New print profile providing several simple accessories for the rack system:
All of these easily print without supports on any printer.
In the next update I will provide a simple means to create a taller rack and to join multiple racks together.
Boost MePlease 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).
License:
Standard Digital File License
Jerrod H
