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The OmniBox Story

The Requirements

Enclosed Printing

Enclosed 3D printing requires controlling more hardware than comes with a typical 3D printer:

  • Lighting
  • Webcam
  • Thermistor (temperature sensor)
  • Temperature-controlled exhaust fan
  • Always-on Filtration fan

Electronics are typically rated to for short periods at high ambient temperatures, but the 50C (120F) or higher temperatures in a well-insulated enclosure are hazardous to electronics. I printed my first of Steve's cases to remove my electronics from such heat.

Managing Devices

Most common devices like fans and lights (and Raspberry Pis!) need a buck converter to work with a 3D printer's power supply. My printed cases for these printer/enclosure combos became cramped. Each buck converter had to sit on a tray above the microcontroller unit (MCU); wiring changes to the MCU required that I first remove up to three buck converter trays.

Support for Large Boards

Additionally, I wanted to use the BIGTREETECH's Octopus in a case, which I had used to success with another project. The Octopus 1.1 is a solid board that provides ample power sources and signal pins. The Octopus does not fit the cases I had already printed; I also had several ideas to improve upon Steve's case.

With these requirements and goals in mind, I decided to design my own case.

Building the OmniBox

This is my second electronics case for the Octopus designed around general shape and layout from Steve's V3 case. I kept full compatibility only with the original display screens. Lids should be easy to modify to fit.

Templates are provided for all trays and panels to allow further customization and support for new products.

These photos detail some of the evolution of Steve's original case into OmniBox.

Development Photos
The initial main body prototype, looking awkward. original prototype
Size comparison: Left is an example of Steve's V5 case (with custom panels). On the right is one of the first OmniBoxes during assembly. size comparison
The first and second finished case bodies, waiting for more panels to finish printing. one and two
Testing for fit with all of the connectors in place. finished rear panel
Closed up for the first time, front view. closed up, front
Closed up for the first time, rear view. closed up, front