Cube Formicarium – Modular, Expandable 3D Printer Model

License: CC BY-NC-SA
File formats: stl
Download type: zip
Size:198.7KB

The file 'Cube Formicarium – Modular, Expandable 3D Printer Model' is (stl) file type, size is 198.7KB.

Summary

A modular cube formicarium.

The cubes can magnetize together for expansion and the inserts can be customized. I've included a blank insert to make it easy to design your own, but there are 2 pre-designed inserts for those who like them. The nest is large enough for my Camponotus pennsylvanicus, but even larger queens may have trouble fitting through the adapters.

The cubes can be hydrated via syringe or pipette from several locations. I use jumbo cotton balls as hydration medium.

The caps fit flush and can be gently removed using a flat head screw driver. The caps block off unused portals of the nest, but also fit the air line tubing I use.

The adapters I've included are for 1/2 outer diameter air line and 20mm test tubes. I've included links for the exact products I used.

This design has been a labor of love, but it is far from perfect. I encourage people to make new adapters, insert designs, and technical changes. Perhaps a larger model? Or a hole in the body for a hydration test tube? Go wild, but please include attribution as per the license.

Cube_Formicarium_Adapter_Airline.stl 36.3KB
Cube_Formicarium_Adapter_Testtube.stl 28.1KB
Cube_Formicarium_Back.stl 10.2KB
Cube_Formicarium_Cap.stl 13.2KB
Cube_Formicarium_Insert_Blank.stl 227.3KB
Cube_Formicarium_Insert_Chambers.stl 246.4KB
Cube_Formicarium_Insert_Natural.stl 326.0KB
Cube_Formicarium_Main.stl 77.9KB