Bambu Parts Case

Updating this post at the top (on 11/12/2023), since this model is finally posted.  If you just want to go download it, the models can be found at the links below:
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https://makerworld.com/en/models/62636​
https://www.printables.com/model/626897-bambu-labs-x1c-spare-parts-case-box-for-stuff

There is also a build guide here.

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After making the draw latches for the recirculating filter design, I thought that it would be cool to use them for a case.  And when I saw the awesome Bambu printer accessory cases from Jorge_Rui and Mr. Sullivan on Printables, the idea clicked to try a remix of one of those designs, with the case.  I'm going to use the design from Mr. Sullivan since it has some improvements which hold the parts in place, is a bit more space efficient, and the STEP files were helpfully provided (which makes remixing much easier).  I ran some test prints to check the fit of the Bambu spare parts with the design from Mr. Sullivan, and the hot ends fit very well, as do the microSD cards.  I did not test the cutters though I plan to later.  I may modify the nozzle wiper holders a bit to narrow them, and I'm considering how to lay everything out.  I have however tested the key parts of the case including the hinges and they function well.

There is also a Gridfinity version of the case in the works, which will hold 15 units (9 Gridfinity "units" high or 9x7mm).

Both the cases will be completed after the filter design is posted, since the cases will take some time to print and test.  But at least I don't need to wait on parts from China to get them done.

Update 9/29/2023: I've been working on and off to optimize the design for the various holders for the parts, using the designs from Mr. Sullivan on Printables, as a base to build from.  I slightly modified his design for the hotend holders with longer tabs, and some larger pockets to help remove the hot ends.  It was pretty simple as the original designs fit the hot ends perfectly.  For the wiper and cutter holders, I wanted to have a way to hold them in positively, so I designed holders for those parts from scratch.  To do that, I had to model the wiper, but since the cutter is such a simple design it did not require modeling.  What I ended up with were designs that hold the parts securely, but will release the parts with a push of a lever.  The levers seem robust enough.  But it's gotta be a balance between strength and usability, so there is always the possibility they could break in time.  To hopefully mitigate that problem, the various holders will be modular, and install in the case using M3x20mm screws.  That way, should any one tab break, only the holder (actually the group of holders) will need to be replaced, and not the entire case lid or base. 

I spent way too long with these simple designs, and probably printed a dozen iterations of the wiper and cutter holder prototypes, before I had a design that I could be happy with.  Now I just need to integrate them into the case design, and print those parts to test.

Update 9/30/2023: I forgot to model a holder for the liquid glue (sorry no glue stick holder). Now all the holders for the case are completed, and I'm just finalizing the design for the doors.  I wanted to have some sort of latching mechanism, and in the past I have used pen springs, which are ideal.  However many folks don't have those laying around, so I modeled some printed springs, but I'm trying to tune the spring force so the latches will be easy to open, but pop closed.  The latches have been tested, and seem to work well enough.

I'm currently running the top of the toolbox first (the part which will have the logo and compartments).  I had to print the top using no prime tower, mouse ears only and manual supports along the front where there are some unsupported overhangs,  Ideally the model would have no supports.  However due to the way the draw latches work, some supports are required.  There are also some supports in the area of the case label frame, which I think are unavoidable.  I expect that I can print this in 5 almost full plates and 2 multicolor plates (split the multicolor prints to minimize the waste).  

Update 10/4/2023: It often happens that I will print a design which I "think" is done, only to find out that I missed adding a hole somewhere, or a dimension was slightly off.  It's always the last 10% of a design which can take the longest to get done, but I think this one is there now.  There is still a requirement to use supports on one part, but that's part of the territory with 3D printing I guess. 

There are a number of optimizations which have touched on almost every part of the design, from the door springs to the wiper holders.  It's a good thing I enjoy doing this as a hobby, or it would feel like work, lol.  Below are some renders of the final design.  My prototype tool box however will not look as good.  It has many final parts, and some which I don't plan to reprint, since the changes are minor.  I have very high confidence in the final design though, since I've previously tested the changes with smaller sections of the model (or the changes were just an adjustment of a dimension... or a hole).  My prototype on the other hand, has holes drilled in it, and some other less than perfect aspects, but it's still functional and will be 95% as good as the final design.  I'm just not gonna waste the filament to print the final design, and will live with the imperfections in my tool case.  They will remind me of what a pain in the butt it was to make :D.

And don't worry glue stick lovers, two of the snack sized sticks will fit in one of the smaller compartments.   

This will get posted soon, I just need to find the time to write up a BOM and assembly instructions.

Update 10/5/2023:
I took some pics of my (far less than perfect) prototype case, this is about as good as it can possibly look :D

The case will be released without any "Bambu Labs" or "X1 Carbon" stuff on it, (edit) but I need to check if adding those logos to user created models is acceptable to Bambu or not (though I know there are tons of models that use it). In any case, it's gonna take some time to get it posted, as I need to export all the files and write it up.  

Update 10/6/2023: Well, I had one more idea which will help with printability.  The modification is all designed and ready, but I need to test print it, and then will re-print the top, to verify it all works.  The upside is that there should be fewer supports needed (just one area will need them).

Update 10/9/2023: The design is as done as it ever will be, and the modification has been tested.  The top will still need supports, but only in one very small area (see the first pic below).  It will now require a couple additional M3x10 screws to mount the latch hangers, but the profile is much cleaner on those parts, since they can be printed in a proper orientation.  

I emailed Bambu about their logo policy on the 7th, to ask if they are OK with putting the Bambu logo on this case, however I have not heard back yet (understandable since it's probably not a common question).  I will give them a week, and if they don't reply, then I will just release it without the logos and markings.  I will still keep an eye out for a response though, and will respectfully ask that folks don't remix the logo on this, since I have put a lot of work into this, and would like to do that if possible (only if it's OK with Bambu).  I know that there are tons of designs out there with the Bambu logos, but I don't plan to add it to this without knowing they are OK with it.  I recall seeing a very reasonable logo policy at some point (possibly during the kickstarter), that (as I vaguely recall) probably would have allowed adding the logo to this, but I can no longer find the policy on their website (so don't quote me on that :D).  I'd rather not run afoul of Bambu, or give them a reason to take down the design (as unlikely as that would be), and clarity on their policy would be generally a good thing.

Update 10/12/2023: I emailed Bambu again to ask if they have any policy on using their logo in designs produced by the community and posted to sites like Makerworld and Printables.  I'm gonna give a couple more days to reply, since I really don't want to post the plain models if I can avoid it.  Having the logo helps to define what the box is for, which is a holder of spare parts for a Bambu printer.  I have some other ideas for designs related to Bambu printers as well, so knowing if they are OK with slapping their logo on community designs, is something I'd like to know.  

Update 10/19/2023: Very small update, but after no reply to my emails, I asked on Reddit (in case another maker had some insight, or possibly the Mods (who are Bambu employees), would possibly respond.  There was no leads there unfortunately, but it was suggested to open a case with them, so I have done that.  Depending on what their response is regarding using their logo on freely shared, user created models (in good taste of course), I will either post this without the logos or post it with the logos (which would be much cooler).  I should know something in 3-4 days hopefully.

Update 10/22/2023: Bambu support got back and gave me the green light to use the logo on this design, so I will be uploading it later this week in all it's logo adorned glory!  

Update 10/26/2023: I finally finished the build guide, and am working on publishing the parts on Printables and Makerworld.  I will publish to Printables first and then import it over to Makerworld, since it's much simpler that way. 

Update 11/11/2023: Well I guess I lied, it hasn't been posted yet because I've been working on some improvements.  The first is a gasket option, and the second will allow printing the whole model without supports.  Part of the second improvement is a new label design, which I'm just waiting for my printed to get freed up to test.  The gasket design is already tested and will be optional, since it requires being able to print TPU.  Once the new label design is tested and I'm happy with it, I'm gonna just say "no more changes", and work to get it read to post.

Update 11/12/2023: FINALLY!  It's published, you can find it here:
https://makerworld.com/en/models/62636​
https://www.printables.com/model/626897-bambu-labs-x1c-spare-parts-case-box-for-stuff
The build guide is also updated.
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