Original Prusa Enclosure (OPE) Precision Fit Multicolor Mesh Side Boxes (for MK3/S/+, MK3.5/S, MK3.9/S & MK4/S - MMU Not Required)

Don't want to read all of this? There's now a tl;dr at the bottom of this document.

Important Note Regarding Input Shaper:

Before printing please see the Input Shaper section below for important notes regarding potential issues with input shaper.

Update:

24 August 2024 -

Added a New Version of the SnapFit Plug for temporarily attaching the Long Side Boxes to the printer extrusion when not installed in the Original Prusa Enclosure. See Model Versions and Installing the SnapFit Extrusion Connector Plug details.

Update: New Universal (MK3/S/+, MK3.5, MK3.9 & MK4/S compatible) Model added!

8 September 2023 -

I have added a new version of the side boxes; the Universal Side Box. These boxes will have all the same variants listed below, but they will work with any version of the MK3 and MK4 printers when Installed in the Original Prusa Enclosure. See Model Versions section below for all the details.

I do not know if they will fit printer models prior to the MK3, such as the MK2. If anyone has an MK2 and can provide dimension details, that would be greatly appreciated.

As of now, all files have been uploaded. All of these boxes are designed to be used inside the enclosure.

See the Other Similar Models section below for side box models that are for those of you who do not have the enclosure.

Why? What do they do?

You mean besides look amazing? Well, is your Original Prusa Enclosure in need of some organization? Are you always trying to figure out where you left your needle-nose pliers? Or, my personal favorite, does your enclosure look like a decorator crab because of all the stuff you have hanging from the sides? If so, then this is the enclosure mod you’ve been looking for. These side boxes are great places to keep tools handy, spare nozzles, or whatever you use and lose often. (Probably not a great place for gummy bears though.) My favorite thing about them (particularly the right side box) is that the stray purged filament just drops right into the box and doesn't get scattered all around the inside of my enclosure.

Not Just a Simple Remix

While there are lots of similar boxes out there, despite what they may claim, these are the only Mesh Side Boxes on Printables specifically designed to fit the Original Prusa Enclosure . I've completely redesigned, updated and improved my previous MK3 version to accommodate the changes to the Z-bottoms on the MK4/S; making for a precise fit with the enclosure and the printer. They also work with the xLCD mounted either internally or externally. And now, there is a Universal model that works with every MK3 and MK4/S models.

Improvements (from my previous MK3 Only model)

- Now using a height modifier (rather than a slab modifier) to create the mesh look. This allows for more precision with the color changes and makes for a cleaner render. - The MK4/S version is a bit wider and has been engineered to fit perfectly between the frame extrusions and the z-bottom pieces. This allows for maximum storage in the space provided. - Added a small cutout on the bottom of the boxes to account for the enclosure anchor points that stick up; the boxes now are flush on the bottom of the enclosure. - Added a variant with small holes (rather than cutouts) so you can secure the boxes directly to the anchor points on the floor of the enclosure; which ensures the boxes stay put, even when you need to remove your printer. - Added alternate versions of the left side box to accommodate the wiring bundle for the xLCD, for those of you who don’t want to tinker with rerouting the wiring. - Added a longer variant of each model that fits around the dampers, allowing for a full size box that fits snuggly between the printer frame and the faceplate. - Added a Universal version of each model that can work with any version of the MK3 and MK4 printers inside the enclosure. They are slightly narrower at the narrow end of the boxes and the top is slightly adjusted at the narrow end to deal with the z-bottoms for both printer models. What makes this an Original Prusa Enclosure upgrade and not an printer upgrade?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Here is why this model isn't just a printer upgrade, despite being made to fit the MK3 and MK4 printers.

- There is already an MK3 version specifically for the Original Prusa Enclosure, it was time to update it for the MK4 - The side boxes attach to the enclosure, not the printer - The long side boxes are precisely designed to accommodate the enclosure dampers and anchor points on the bottom of the Original Prusa Enclosure - The side boxes aren't made to work without the Original Prusa Enclosure (specifically); which is why I have other models published for use without the enclosure. Models

There are now two main versions of the Original Prusa Enclosure Side Boxes; the MK4/S Side Boxes and the Universal (compatible with all versions of the MK3 & MK4) Side Boxes. The primary difference is that the MK4/S version is wider at the narrow end of the box and has geometry to accommodate the changes to the z-bottoms on the MK4/S.

The Universal model works with any version of the MK3 or MK4 printers. To do this, I made the narrow end a bit narrower (since the z-motors are at different distances from one printer model vs. the other). I also slightly moved the geometry at the top of the narrow end of the box to allow it to fit under the MK4/S z-bottom.

If you have a MK4/S printer, the MK4/S version is the most precise fit for those printers. However, if you have an MK3 version printer, then the Universal version will help you avoid having to reprint the side boxes down the road should you end up upgrading.

Model Versions

Each model comes in Short Box and Long Box versions. As you might guess, the primary difference between them is the length. The Short Boxes are 170mm long and fit between the printer frame and stop at the foam dampers toward the front of the printer. They squish into the foam to help hold them tightly.

The Long Boxes are 203mm long and have a cutout that surrounds the foam damper; allowing the box to stretch from the printer frame all the way to the face plate of the printer.

Although not intended to work outside the Original Prusa enclosure, I received a special request from a Printables community member to make the Long Boxes temporarily work until their enclosure arrived in the mail. So, I created a SnapFit plug that connects to the printer extrusions that allows you to temporarily connect the boxes to the printer and plug the hole made for the damper cutout. Once your enclosure is setup, simply remove the clip, pop out the SnapFit plug, and you're ready to install the boxes into your enclosure.

Model Variants

There are also several variants of each model. As mentioned above, all model variants come in MK4/S models and Universal models. Each variant also comes in a Long Box version and a Short Box version.

Side Boxes with Anchor Holes -

These boxes have an anchor hole that matches with a specific attachment ("anchor") point in the bottom of the Original Prusa Enclosure. This allows you to securely attach the boxes directly to the bottom of the enclosure with a single M3x4 screw.

Side Boxes without Anchor Holes -

Instead of a hole, these boxes have a small cutout in the bottom where the hole would otherwise be. This is to accommodate the small protrusion that is created by the anchor point on the bottom of the enclosure. This allows the boxes to sit flush on the bottom and also creates a tight fit without the need to screw the box to the enclosure.

All of the Long Boxes (regardless of if they have an anchor point hole or not) have this cutout at a second anchor point at the front of the box. This is because this attachment point is right under the front border (wide end) of the box; making it impractical to attach the box with a screw at that specific point.

Alternate Left Side Boxes -

Although the xLCD wiring can be rerouted to work with the standard left side boxes, I was asked to design a box that would work without the end user having to mess around with the wiring. With the help of some members of the Printables community, I have created two different designs: an Arch design, and a False Floor design. Both designs create a space under the box for the xLCD wiring bundle to pass through. You can see a photo of the Arch version in the make uploaded by @fotrik_769344 .

NOTE: The Universal Version of the Arch side boxes is still under construction.

Other Similar Models -

For those not using the Original Prusa Enclosure, I also have longer versions of these boxes for all MK3 & MK4 models. Remember the older MK3 only model is now deprecated; the new Universal model should be considered the MK3 2.0. You can find them here: @VisualReversal/models

Additionally, there is an MMU2S version for the MK3S made by @dotson90_17676 , which was the inspiration for my models. They can be found here: prusa-mk3s-mesh-side-boxes-mmu2s