The RPi Z-Box, designed for the 4B, is the first integrated case for the Raspberry Pi that attaches seamlessly to your Prusa MINI/MINI+. The Z-Box attaches at the base of the z-axis and replaces the lid of the stock electronics board enclosure using the same mechanism for attachment.
See here for the 3B / 3B+ version
The Z-Box relieves strain by rerouting the MINI's cables in a more natural, organized manner and also provides space to route additional peripherals. You also have the option to mount a fan, which clips directly in to the lid's hexagonal perforations.
NOTES
- PRINTING
- Design is 3 pieces: Base, Body, and Lid
- All are interchangeable, so choose any mix of variations
- The base is mostly hidden, but I made it it's own piece so you can print it in black to match the stock enclosure, if you choose
- All parts designed to print without supports, brims, or rafts
- PETG or PLA recommended
- .20mm resolution for 'Base' & .15mm (or finer) for ‘Body’ & ‘Lid’
- I suggest increasing perimeters on 'Body' portion to make the walls effectively solid
- Some have still chosen to add supports for the perforations, though I didn't use them in any of my iterations
- If your printer is having issues with the lid detail, I have added a flat option ('Hex' only)
- Update: Apparently some of the lid options are opening in the slicer upside-down. If you have this issue, be sure to flip it so that the textured surface is on top.
- Hardware
- 4 x M2.5 x 10mm bolts (for connecting the Pi)
- Use 12mm bolts if attaching with a nut - works with M2 fasteners
- Holes can be drilled out to fit M3
- Re-use the bolt from the stock lid
- Fan Mount (See here)
- 30x30mm fans only
- Two options: 10mm & 7.5mm (or smaller)
- Fits only 'Hex' lid options
- Attaches by friction fit, wherever you want to put it
- Update: 40x40x10mm fan mount added
- Clearance Concerns
- The case cannot grow taller, due to conflict with the extruder motor and hotend cable, nor can the Pi move lower, due to conflict with the power jumper wires below
- GPIO Pins
- Depending on manufacture, your wire connectors may be ~1mm too tall.
- You can either clip a bit of plastic off the connectors' top/bottom (like I did) or use the lid version with an open slot to freely access all GPIO pins (see fan link above)
- 15mm heat sinks will not fit. I recommend using a shorter heat sink and/or a fan
- Be sure to choose a fan size that will not interfere with the height of your heat sink
- Filament sensor fits without issue
- Bondtech extruder fits without issue
- Only other fitment issues I have heard have been due to warping, so be sure to allow the print to fully cool before removing from bed
Don't forget to check out the assembly instructions, found here.
Please message me with any thoughts about design improvements that could be made. Thanks!
Your donations make my work possible - they are very much appreciated!
Contact: [email protected] for commission inquiries
Designed using Rhino3D with Grasshopper
the freewheeler
