OpenFormicaria - A Modular ant housing platform

OpenFormicaria

A Open Source modular ant formicarium and home with simple space saving connectors.

Updates/Changelog

2020.11.02

• Added 6xGateway
  • More space or broader attachement to other modules!

2020.11.01

• Small fixes
• Added Connector raiser for CV1 and CV2. With that, you can connect modules like the Portal to a formicarium without it floating!
• Added Separators, only CV2. This allows you separate connected modules while blocking both ends!

2020.11.01

• Fixed m3 boreholes
• Updated the Portal Lid to accomodate the borehole
• Introduce the Connector Version 2!
  • Improved design, now also able to prevent escapee ants when changing connectors or modules!

2020.10.30

• Added Size M Formicarizm with a Lasius inspired filling! Download or check the Zip file

Features

Check the READMEs in the folders for more detailed information and dimensions

Image gallery: https://imgur.com/a/OinBO6c

Connector Version 2 (CV2) and Connector Version 1

There are two version available, both are similar in design with version 2 being improved. The only reason not to use CV2 is if you do not have any flexible filament, CV1 will work for you in that case.

With CV2 you can seemlessly switch connectors that are in use, for example allowing you to block passages between modules by switching out a Connector with a Blocker.

Note that all CV2 connectors have to be printed in TPU or any flexible material.

Connectors

• Connector that connects two modules
• Connector that connects two modules but block the path
• Tube Connectors for 10mm, 12mm and 14mm inner circumference
• Connnector Raiser
• Separator (CV2 Only)
• Endcap if nothing gets attached to a connection endpoint
  • A bit nicer looking than a block connector but cannot be used to connect two modules

Connector Roadmap

• Angle connectors (90°)

Modules (Both availabe in CV1 and CV2 versions)

• Portal - Module with feeding and air ports, first small outworld with 4 connection ports
• 4xGateway - A small 4x connection port gateway
• 6xGateway - More space or broader attachement to other modules!

Formicarium (Both availabe in CV1 and CV2 versions)

• Formicarium Size S Template
  • Lasius style interior

Formicarium Roadmap

• Size M and L, maybe XL?
• More interior

Printing recommendation

• Use PLA or other mold resistant material for modules and formicaria
• TPU or similar flex material is recommended for Connectors in general.
  • Tube connectors that attach to test tubes HAVE to be TPU (Maybe this can be improved?)
• CV2 Connectors have to be printed in TPU/Flex
• 0.2mm layer hight is sufficient for all files
• 15% infill is sufficient

Starting Out

A initial home

If you have a test tube setup and you think your ants are ready for their first scavenging outside of it but still to small for a proper outworld, you can use a Portal! This allows you to connect several other modules and connectors to it.

Here is a list of the Items you should print for a base kit with a Portal. Once you have that, you can expand as needed!
Note that I do recommend printing all CV2 if you have a flexible filament available.

The Base Kit

• 1x Portal
  • 2x Portal Feeder Lids
  • 1x Portal Lid
• 2x Separators (CV2 Only)
• 3x Endpoint Blocker
• 1x Tube connector fitting your test tube size