3D printing is frequently dismissed as merely a means to create plastic trinkets and bendable dragons, yet there’s so much more involved in shaping melted filament into various designs. The advantages of 3D printers extend to being among the premier tools for entering the DIY realm and addressing household design challenges, particularly within smart home contexts. While smart devices showcase impressive technology, they often suffer from awkward designs and trailing power cables that clutter surfaces like kitchen counters and side tables. Although there are numerous justifications for incorporating smart speakers and voice assistants in a smart home configuration, instead of investing in pricey, mass-manufactured plastic accessories, homeowners and 3D printing enthusiasts are more frequently engaging with the global maker community to craft their own customized solutions. This community thrives on several open-source sharing platforms, including Thingiverse and Makerworld, where individuals can upload, share, and download functional 3D models at little or no cost.
Utilizing affordable and high-tech 3D printers such as the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2, users have the ability to develop smart home accessories that harmoniously integrate technology (along with a touch of fan service) into their living spaces. These projects serve as both enjoyable and imaginative outlets for makers while resulting in useful items that help create an inviting atmosphere in a smart home for the entire family. This might include a mount that affixes a smart home speaker directly to a power source, cleverly concealing the power cord, or a decorative case inspired by a beloved character to personalize a smart home speaker.
Amazon Echo Dot 4 Plug Mount
Amazon’s transition from a flat puck design to a larger spherical shape for the Alexa-enabled Echo Dot has complicated the placement on crowded nightstands or slim shelves. Designer the_qsr tackled this issue by creating a streamlined wall mount for the 4th Gen Echo Dot, emphasizing cable organization and an uncluttered visual appeal. It aligns perfectly with a power outlet socket, eliminating unsightly wires hanging down, which is particularly beneficial in corridors or entryways where trailing cables can pose a tripping hazard or detract from the overall appearance. Additionally, there is a mount for EU plug sockets by designer Voozac that follows the same concept, tailored specifically to the EU plug configuration. Both mounts comprise two components that can be joined using a small pin and super glue for optimum stability, although a robust adhesive should suffice. For those who have concerns about light emanating from the Echo Dot, designers suggest utilizing a dark-colored PLA filament or increasing the infill percentage to 10% or more. This technique curtails light from the illuminated base ring bleeding through the material, allowing only the “glow” to shine. These professional-grade enhancements are merely a few cents worth of PLA filament, making it a worthwhile endeavor to try out this design.
Android Body for Google Home Mini
While some individuals prefer to conceal their smart home devices or give them an elegant look, other 3D printer users aim to infuse creativity and transform their smart home speakers into engaging yet functional objects. The Google Home Mini, while highly functional, can appear rather plain to some users. RAY_Design developed an Android-themed casing that converts the speaker into a desktop representation of the Android mascot. This fun project is suitable for any room, maintaining the Google Home Mini’s audio quality and microphone performance. This initiative exemplifies the imaginative spirit of DIY smart home modifications, requiring straightforward 3D components and assembly. The primary structure necessitates support during printing due to its curved shape, and the designer recommends using small amounts of hot glue for the eyes and antennae. This adhesive can be easily peeled off the speaker mesh if users want to update its appearance later. Google has shifted towards the “Nest” branding across its range of smart speakers, retiring the previously dedicated brand name, making it refreshing to see the community acknowledge Google’s origins and contribute designs for older devices. For those who have an older Google Home Mini tucked away that has seen better cosmetic days, this product is an excellent way to rejuvenate old equipment rather than discarding it.
Outlet Mount for Google Home Mini
Similar to the Amazon Echo Dot outlet holder, there’s also one for Google-powered smart homes. The outlet mount for the Google Home Mini, designed by Yelt, features a sleek, practical, and contemporary design that complements any home environment. It utilizes the power adaptor to secure the speaker, with the power cord coiled around the internal holder, resulting in a plug-and-play solution that doesn’t require any additional components. This project eliminates cables that could disrupt the aesthetics of a smart home while keeping the Google Home Mini elevated away from damp surfaces and kitchen accidents. The design is tailored for PLA+ filament, offering greater flexibility and resilience compared to standard PLA. It is produced with a 0.2mm resolution and a 10% infill, permitting a quick and simple print for most beginner 3D printers. However, the majority of 3D printers are supplied with a 0.