Designing a Spares Case for the Bambu A1 Mini / A1 (without owning an A1 Mini or A1)

Some time ago, I made a case for my Bambu X1C, which is really handy and gets used quite a bit.  So I thought it would be cool to make a similar case for the  Bambu A1 mini and A1 printers.  There was only one problem though, I don't own, nor do I plan to buy, an A1 series printer.  And Bambu does not sell the spares kit (separately) which ships with the A1 series printers.  So being unable to obtain the A1 spares kit, I did the next best thing.  I used dimensions from several existing designs to cobble together a design for a case, which holds all the A1 and A1 Mini spares.  The case can be used with either the A1 or A1 Mini, even though there is a slight difference in spares between them (since they use different bed wiper parts). 

So after spending a few hours on the project, I think I have something that is close to done, however it will come with a warning, since I have no way to test that the spare parts will fit.  I did test slice it however, and it will fit on an A1 Mini, even with a brim.  Since this will take many hours to print, I may make some quicker printing test parts, or even attempt to make it modular, though I'm still thinking about that.  Right now, there is no ETA right now for when this will get posted, but the design is close to done.

The design is a remix of my X1C/P1P/P1S spares case.  Although I did not directly remix from the following designs below, I did use dimensions for the spare parts holders, as well as community feedback in order to make the pockets for all the tools.  Since I used the dimensions from these models, I will credit them as remix sources when I post it (edit, I decided to credit these models in the description, instead of as remix sources, since the final design does not use these models as a source, only some dimensions were used in earlier revisions):

• Storage solution for A1 mini nozzle wiper (by Arni)
• A1 Accessories Tray V3 (by Redev22) which is a remix
• A1 Tool Box - Rugged (top remix - inlay remix) (by 3DMetalCave) - which is a remix of a remix​

This case is also designed to be used with the following printable tool and spare wiper for the A1 Mini:

• A1 mini bracket for nozzle wiper - (dont forget to grab the nozzle brush) (by Kugelmann)
• PTFE Tube Remover V2.1 for the A1 (by R3DPanda)

The tool box will have several options, including the following:

• TPU seal or no seal versions
• A top with a liquid glue bottle holder and two compartments
• A top with three compartments (and no glue holder)
• A printed case label designed for 12mm P-Touch labels
• A blank case label, which can be customized using the slicer

Update 4/22/2024: I decided that since this is such a long print and there is a bit or risk involved, since I cannot test it, that I should make it modular.  That way, if one of the part holders needs a tweak, it will only mean re-printing the parts tray, and not the whole base of the case.  Even so, the tray is a 6-7 hour print, so there is still some risk involved.

Update 4/23/2024: I posted on Reddit to ask for help with testing this prototype with the A1/A1 Mini tools, and one person stepped up to help (thanks pewpew1374!).  That was the green light to test print this myself, and if that works out well, then I will upload the prototype and some test models, which will put this on the path to a final design.  Right now I am touching up a few things with the design, which I should have noticed before.  The issues are not show stoppers however, and they include:

1. The hinge needs to be fixed, as designed, it would take a single long M3x45 screw, which is not common at all.  I plan to simply it, so it can either use a couple shorter screws or maybe one M3x20 or M3x25 screw.
2. The modular base mounts to the case using M3 screws and standoffs (on the case).  Currently the screws used for this are different lengths, so I plan to try and consolidate them down to one or two lengths of screws.  I also want to standardize the height of the case standoffs.  Possibly with shorter case standoffs, the case insert could become a customizable module, and used for different projects.

Update 2: The above fixes have been done, and the printer is running the base now.  I set up 3MF profiles in Bambu Studio for the A1, A1 mini and my X1C, with modifiers and adaptive layers.  There are also brims on the A1 and A1 mini for the larger parts, since those are open frame machines, and may need a bit more help with adhesion (vs an enclosed printer like the X1C).  The image below shows the A1 Mini profile, and all the possible options for the lids, labels and AMS options.  This is really a 6 to 8 plate print (the 2 extra plates are for the TPU gasket option and the multicolor parts option). 

4/27/2024: Thanks to Mici @ Printables, who ran off some test prints and provided me with feedback on how things fit, this project is back on track.  I decided to change the design a bit, and drop the weird A1/A1 mini wiper holders, in favor of a simple lidded bin, which should be more versatile and not as ugly.  I had to re-arrange things as well, and shrunk the cutter holder down from 5 cutters to 4, which is no big loss (I have yet to change a cutter in months of use).  

I'm running a test print now, which is one step closer to completing this one.

Update 4/27/2024: The test prints are done (for what I can test), and things seem OK.  There were a few changes since the last update, including an optimized SD card holder, and a latching lid for the small bin that was added to the insert.  

Update 4/28/2024:  The A1 / A1 MINI spares case is now uploaded to Printables:

www.printables.com/model/861390-bambu-a1-and-a1-mini-spares-and-tool-case

I plan to upload it to MakerWorld later, once I get some feedback on the model.

Update 6/20/2024: Quite a bit has happened with this design since the last post, thanks to feedback from Momor and Net7 at Printables.  Their makes and comments helped move this design over the finish line.  The A1 Hotend model by MaG on GrabCAD was also helpful to verify the fit of the hotends and socks (https://grabcad.com/library/bambulab-a1-hotend-1).  I reworked the hotend, sock, needle tube, and hex wrench holders completely, and I think the new design should be easier to use and more flexible for minor variations in the tools.  I test printed the changes, but since I don't have an A1, I did not print the whole module (no point).  The updated model is version 8P, and it can be found over on Printables.  Once I get some more feedback on Printables, I will upload it to MakerWorld as well.  I also changed this design to the standard digital license, since I want to keep tighter control over the design, at least for now.  The NC license is too permissive about redistribution, and since this is not fully tested, I want to keep it in one place.

https://www.printables.com/model/861390-bambu-a1-and-a1-mini-spares-and-tool-case