3.5" HDD Rack / Caddy / Holder (8 drives) - Split Print

Summary

This was the best design I found for my purposes which was to maxamise cooling and ease of install and uninstall so full credit to npopson. However I wanted an 8 drive rack using this design but also needed it to be slightly shorter to fit inside my PC case. Additionally due to my smaller print bed size it made it easier to split the print into two pieces for printing. Also includes a new shorter locking key.

Features

• Holds 8 × 3.5" hard drives

• Lowered drive position for a reduced overall height

• Plenty of clearance beneath the drives for airflow and cable management

• Overall assembled height: 275 mm (27.5 cm)

• Prints in two sections for smaller print beds

• Simple glued centre joint for easy assembly

•  Join tolerance 100 microns around the joiner, 25 microns on the flat surfaces.

Assembly

1. Print both upright halves - short side down (same as photo 2) - apologises they aren't oriented correctly I'll work that out in onshape one day.

2. Test fit before gluing should be snug but not over tight mine are printed at 0.2, if you force it to much you'll snap the female socket.

3. If the fit is slightly tight, lightly sand or file the male joiner only.

4. Do not sand the female socket, as the tolerances are already very fine (except to clean up edges)

5. Once you're happy with the fit, apply a small dab of super glue (CA glue) to permanently secure the centre joint.

6. Use the base from the orginal file - https://www.printables.com/model/701526-35-hdd-rack-caddy-holder-6-drives/files

The centre joint is primarily an alignment feature. Only a small amount of glue is required, as the load is transferred vertically through the joint rather than relying on it to resist bending. Once installed, Drive 4 also provides additional lateral support across the joint.

Red Printed on Ender 3 @ 0.2mm (PLA)
Black Printed on Prusa MK2S @ 0.2mm (PLA)