SpoolCore SFF – Mini-ITX case from Prusament spools

SpoolCore SFF – Mini-ITX case built from Prusament spools

A compact vertical SFF PC case built around reused new Prusament spools and reduced number of printed objects.

Motivation

I have some experience building own custom PC cases. My current one is a Makerbeam open stand with 3d printed brackets. I was thinking of a new build for some time already and the new contest Upcycling NEW Prusament Spools came just in time.  Designed for the contest with a plan for long term use.

So here are my design ideas: 

• Chimney style PC case (we all remember Mac Pro Trash Can)

• Minimize number of 3D printed parts

  • reuse at least three Prusament spools - structurally and aesthetically

  • do not print walls - use 1mm PET/PETG transparent sheets, perhaps with printed design accents 

• Design that is easy to reproduce and aesthetically appealing

• Allow future expandability - from low-spec “typewriter” builds to high-end workstations or gaming PCs via modular add-ons

Concept

The case follows a chimney-style layout, based on a central printed frame that holds a Mini-ITX motherboard vertically, with cables routed through the top of case - center of the Prusament spool and with a nice sleeve for all the cables.

Instead of printing full walls, the outer shell is made from standard A4 sheets that simply slide into the frame. No cutting is required.

I’m attaching my own sheet template (visible in the photos). Many print shops can print it — or your own design — directly onto PET/PETG sheets using UV printing.

Prusament spool covers are reused as:

• bottom fan grill - prevents any cables from falling onto the fan

• top cover 

• internal mesh that holds everything in the back of the PC case, e.g. cable routing element

Airflow is simple:
bottom intake (large 200mm fan) → top exhaust.

Expansion can be done later with customizing of the side covers - e.g. passtrough GPU riser cable on the left and AIO tubes on the right, separating heat from the main case.   

Printed parts

5 parts total:

• base (with 200mm fan mount)

• frame (main structure)

• top

• 2x side cover left & right

3MF files are included, pre-oriented for printing, and contain modifiers for proper wall thickness around M3 inserts.

Other parts

• 2× A4 sheets (transparent / frosted / printed)

• 3× Prusament spool covers

• 200mm PC fan (designed with Noctua NF-A20 PWM in mind)

• External power button, e.g. Alphacool Power Button

• Fasteners:

  • 22x - standard M3 threaded inserts

  • 18x - M3x12-15 screws

  • 4x - M3x6 screws for MB mounting 

  • 4x - 6mm standoffs (standard for PC cases, you can take from your old case likely)

  • zip ties for cabling
    (at concept stage I also mounted PSU with strong zip ties)

  • 4x - NA-AV3 anti-vibration mounts (comes with all Noctua fans)

Assembly (basic steps)

Assembly is kind of straightforward, I might add full manual later.
Brief steps:

• Prepare Frame

  • install all 22 M3 threaded inserts into the Frame

  • install 4 6mm standoffs for the motherboard

  • understand frame orientation

    • see arrows “front" and "up” marking on the part

• Assemble Case

  • insert the frame into the base

    • twist on the corresponding base and frame teeth

    • position and lock with 4× M3 screws

  • install bottom spool

    • simply by pushing into place from the bottom side, no fasteners required

  • install mesh spool

    • use up to 6 m3 screws

    • make sure it will sit about 3-4 mm apart from frame (use any spacers)

    • make sure it is perfectly centered to avoid collision with cylinder wall later 

  • install Top part

    • same technique like with base - twist the Top on the Frame teeth

    • lock with 2× M3 screws

• Assemble PC

  • mount the 200mm fan

    • there are holes for anti-vibration mounts in each corner

    • route the fan cable through the center of the Prusament spool

    • you might need cable extender or detach existing cable it from the fan side

  • mount the PSU (I used a Corsair SFX 750)

    • currently I've fixed to the rear spool using zip ties

    • you may want to design own bracket later depending on your PSU

  • install the Mini-ITX motherboard

    • orient IO panel upwards

    • fix with 4 m3x6 screws

    • complete internal cabling

• Final assempty

  • Slide it A4 sheets into place

  • Connect PC cables:

    • Route all external cables through the center of the top Prusament spool

    • Connect all you cables - power, usb-c, display, etc... - to the IO panel and PSU
      don't forget the power button :)

    • Put cables into a nice sleeve

  • put the Prusament spool on the top of the case

Disclaimer

• This is a prototype, not the final product, there are a lot of things that can be optimized
  For instance, A4 sheets installation is a bit fiddly now.

• I have actually built it - see photos.

I would love to see your feedback, please like and leave a comment.