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![HomeRacker Assembly](./img/assembly_basics_4.png)
HomeRacker is a fully modular 3D-printable rack building system for virtually any "racking needs" (Server Rack, shoe rack, book shelf, you name it).
HomeRacker is a fully modular 3D-printable rack-building system for virtually any “racking needs” (server rack, shoe rack, bookshelf, you name it).
You can find all parametric and non-parametric models as well as the `f3d` files (like the `HomeRacker - Core`) on [Makerworld](https://makerworld.com/en/@kellervater)).
You can find all parametric and non-parametric models, as well as the `.f3d` files (like the `HomeRacker - Core`), on [Makerworld](https://makerworld.com/en/@kellervater).
The parametric models can be found in the [HomeRacker GitHub Repository](https://github.com/kellervater/homeracker/tree/main/models).
The parametric models are available in the [HomeRacker GitHub Repository](https://github.com/kellervater/homeracker/tree/main/models).
> [!NOTE]
> The basic HomeRacker system is also referred to as `HomeRacker - Core`. Free for everyone to use, remix, and reshare.
@@ -32,180 +32,204 @@ The parametric models can be found in the [HomeRacker GitHub Repository](https:/
# 🔧 Use Cases
I created HomeRacker because I was dissatisfied with the existing solutions available online.
Many designs were too specific, accommodating only certain devices owned by their creators. Others supported only the 10" standard, with no flexibility for deviations, often requiring additional adapters.
Many designs were too specific—accommodating only certain devices owned by their creators. Others supported only the 10" standard, with no flexibility for deviations, often requiring additional adapters.
As I began my homelab journey in April 2025, I wanted a modular solution that could adapt and grow with my evolving needs. This would eliminate the need to purchase larger racks or completely change concepts when the original design no longer met my requirements.
![xkcd: The General Problem](https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/the_general_problem.png)
As it is my nature to overengineer everything, I came up with a more generic solution to serve ANY "racking needs." Be it to build a small rack for a few Raspberry Pi's, a 10" standard rack for homelabs, or even a 19" standard rack (still working on that though). You can even create bookshelves, shoe racks, or combine all of the above in an abomination of a rack.
As it is my nature to overengineer everything, I came up with a more generic solution to serve ANY racking need. Be it a small rack for a few Raspberry Pis, a 10" standard rack for homelabs, or even a 19" standard rack (still working on that though). You can even create bookshelves, shoe racks—or combine all of the above into an abomination of a rack.
To give you an idea of how this may look (10" rack, half-constructed Pi mini-rack, bookshelf):
![Real Life Example](./img/real_life_example.jpg)
Aside from the basic [building blocks](#basic-building-blocks), the rack above also contain the following parts:
Aside from the basic [building blocks](#basic-building-blocks), the rack above also contains the following parts:
* **10" Rack**
* HomeRacker - 10" Rackmount Kit (Todo: link to Makerworld Model) for standard height units
* Raspi 5 Mount Kit
* HomeRacker - 10" Rackmount Kit (Todo: link to Makerworld model) for standard-height units
* Raspi 5 Mount Kit:
* Vertical Mount Adapter for HomeRacker
* Front-Panel for 10" racks
* Rackmount Ears for the Switch. These are fully customizable rackmount ears which I created as an [openSCAD file](./models/rackmount_ears/rackmount_ears.scad). You can customize it directly [here](https://makerworld.com/en/models/1259227-fully-customizable-rackmount-ears#profileId-1283271).
* HomeRacker Airflow Kit (Todo: link to Makerworld Model) which consists of:
* Front/Back panels
* Front panel for 10" racks
* Rackmount ears for the switch. These are fully customizable rackmount ears I created as an [OpenSCAD file](./models/rackmount_ears/rackmount_ears.scad). You can customize it directly [here](https://makerworld.com/en/models/1259227-fully-customizable-rackmount-ears#profileId-1283271).
* HomeRacker Airflow Kit (Todo: link to Makerworld model), which consists of:
* Front/back panels
* Side panels
* Bottom/Top panels with air intake/exhaust grid and bores for standard fans (80/92/120mm)
* **Shelf** (You can build any shelf)
* Bottom/top panels with air intake/exhaust grids and bores for standard fans (80/92/120mm)
* **Shelf** (Build any shelf configuration you like.)
# ✨ Features
The `HomeRacker - Core` features:
* **Full modularity** - Due to the support-connector system, you can scale out in any spatial dimension accessible to humans. The only limit may be the material strength (set aside money, space and time).
* **3D-printable** - The entire core system is printable, and no additional tools are required to assemble it.
* **No supports** - Not a single part of the core system needs printed supports.
* **OpenSource** - Feel free to build your own adapters and/or use it in all your personal or commercial projects (see [Open Standard](#open-standard) and [Licensing](#-licensing) for details).
* **Fully modular** – Thanks to the support-connector system, you can scale in any direction. The only limits are material strength—and how much money, space, and time you have.
* **3D-printable** – The entire core system is printable, and no tools are required for assembly.
* **No supports needed** – Not a single part of the core system needs printed supports.
* **OpenSource** – Build your own adapters and use the system in personal or commercial projects (see [Open Standard](#open-standard) and [Licensing](#-licensing) for details).
## ⚙️ How it works
> **tl;dr** Think of a rack shape you want to build, download the model (insert link), print it, assemble it, and add your own mounts/adapters/you-name-it.
> **tl;dr** Think of a rack shape you want to build, download the model (insert link), print it, assemble it, and add your own mounts/adapters/whatever-you-like.
I might post a YouTube video here to outline how it works.
I might post a YouTube video here to show how it works.
### 🛠️ Assembly Basics
![Assembly Basics 4 White](./img/assembly_basics_4_white.png)
The assembly process for the `HomeRacker - Core` system is straightforward and requires no additional tools. Follow these steps:
Assembly is straightforward and requires no tools:
1. **Prepare the Components**: Download the HomeRacker-Core (Todo: insert link) and print all parts required to assemble your specific rack. Ensure the parts are clean and free of debris.
2. **Connect Supports and Connectors**: Attach the connectors to the supports as per your desired configuration. The modular design allows for flexibility in size and shape.
3. **Secure with Spring Pins**: Use the spring pins to lock the connectors and supports in place. This ensures stability and prevents accidental disassembly. Due to their quadratic profile, they can be inserted horizontally or vertically.
4. **Add Additional Features**: Depending on your use case, attach shelves, panels, or other accessories to complete your rack (not part of the core system though).
1. **Prepare the components**: Download the HomeRacker - Core (Todo: insert link), and print all required parts. Clean off any debris.
2. **Connect supports and connectors**: Attach connectors to supports based on your desired configuration.
3. **Secure with spring pins**: Use spring pins to lock parts in place. They can be inserted horizontally or vertically thanks to their square profile.
4. **Add features**: Attach panels, shelves, and other accessories as needed.
### 💡 Assembly Tips
> [!NOTE]
> **Pro-Tip**: I created a sample 10" Cyberpunk-themed 3D model on Makerlab (todo: insert link), where you can get an idea of which parts are needed for such a model.
> **Pro Tip**: I created a sample 10" Cyberpunk-themed 3D model on MakerWorld (Todo: insert link) for inspiration.
1. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to build and make a list of materials you need.
Otherwise, you'll end up with an army of parts like me:
![Army of Parts](./img/homeracker_army.jpg)
So, best make a list of materials containing:
* How many supports of what length (measured in `base units`)
* How many connectors of what dimensional scope? (Do you need Pull-Throughs, Feet, normal connectors?)
* Print a large number of spring pins. You'll need more than you think. The model (todo: insert link) on Makerworld should contain a plate with 100 spring pins and a [Gridfinity](https://gridfinity.xyz/) box to store them. Print one copy, and you should be off to a good start.
2. Assemble layer-by-layer. Start with the bottom frame, then add vertical supports to it. Then build the intermediate/top frame(s) and put them onto the vertical supports. Repeat until satisfied!
3. Make sure the spring pins are fully inserted! Sometimes you need to use gentle force.
1. Plan ahead! Otherwise, you'll end up with an army of unused parts like me:
![Army of Parts](./img/homeracker_army.jpg)
Make a parts list:
* How many supports of what lengths (in `base units`)?
* How many connectors of each type (pull-throughs, feet, regular)?
* Print a ton of spring pins. You’ll need more than you might think. The model (Todo: insert link) on Makerworld should include a 100-pin plate and a [Gridfinity](https://gridfinity.xyz/) box for storage.
2. Build layer by layer: Start with the base frame, add vertical supports, then stack intermediate/top frames.
3. Make sure spring pins are fully inserted—gentle force might be needed.
### 🖨️ Printing Tips
1. If you're unsure about bed adhesion while printing: Add a brim to the supports. I already had 1-2 cases where the small contact surface of the connectors caused them to lose bed adhesion and resulted in partial failures.
2. Anti-Warping guidelines: Always make sure to have a dust- and oil-free printing plate. A fingerprint alone can cause warping and/or bed adhesion failures.
1. If bed adhesion is sketchy: Add a brim to the supports. The small contact surface on connectors can cause print failures.
2. Prevent warping: Keep the print bed clean and oil-free. Even a fingerprint can cause issues.
3. When printing new filament: Make sure to calibrate the material flow!
> [!NOTE]
> **Pro-Tip**: If you need to disassemble your rack for any reason and the spring pin fits so tightly that you can't pull it out, just press a pin from the other side onto the pin in question. This should help remove it.
> **Pro Tip**: If you need to disassemble and the pin is stuck, push it from the other side with another pin to release it.
## 📐 Tech Specs
> [!NOTE]
> To inspect the actual values I highly recommend checking out the somewhat okISH original fusion (`f3d`) files which are ALWAYS part of my Makerworld uploads. I always parameterize my designs so they can scale without problem.
> For actual dimensions, check out the original Fusion `.f3d` files on Makerworld. All designs are fully parameterized for easy scaling.
The entire system revolves around 4 simple numbers:
1. `15mm` - This is the so called `base_unit` or `base_length` in all my models. It ressembles the side length of each side of a support. x and y are fixed to 15mm and z is always a multiple of this depending on the desired unit count of a support
2. `4mm` - Is the side length of each side (xy) of a `spring pin` and it's corresponding holes in the supports. The holes are always centered along an xz base_unit.
3. `2mm` - Is the `strength` of the connector walls.
4. `0.2mm` - The `tolerance` added to the side inner side length of each connector to compensate any printing/material inaccuracies.
The system is based on 4 core measurements:
> These numbers (except for the tolerance) are purely arbitrary because I assumed they made sense. There wasn't any static calculation behind it.
1. **15mm** – The `base_unit`. Each support has 15mm x/y dimensions, with z being a multiple of 15mm.
2. **4mm** – Side length of spring pins and matching holes.
3. **2mm** – Wall thickness of connectors.
4. **0.2mm** – Tolerance added to connector interiors for print/material variances.
Now to the detailed schematics:
> These values (except tolerance) are arbitrary—just made sense during design.
### 🧱 Supports
Supports are the spine of the HomeRacker system. They literally support the weight the rack will have to bear.
Supports are the structural spine of HomeRacker.
![Core Support 3D Transparent](./img/core_support_3d_transparent.png)
As already described above: A support has a fixed side length for its x and y side of `15mm` and the z-side is always a multiple of this `base_unit`.
Height is a multiple of 15mm (base units).
E.g.: A 3-unit support = 45mm tall, a 17-unit = 255mm.
E.g.: A support of 3 units has an actual height of 45mm. A Support of 17 units, 255mm.
Each unit height includes a 4mm hole for a spring pin.
For each height unit there's always a hole for a spring pin which measures 4mm each side.
* A hole does have the same inner measurements as the spring splints do on the outside with no tolerances.
* A hole is formed convex in 2 dimensions (x and z axis) so they can fit the spring pin in a vertical and horizontal direction.
* Holes match spring pin dimensions (no tolerance).
* Holes are convex on x and z axes for multi-directional insertion.
See the following schematics for details (front view, side view, top view):
Schematics:
**Front View**
**Front View**
![Support Front View](./img/core_support_front_profile.png)
**Side View**
**Side View**
![Support Side View](./img/core_support_side_profile.png)
**Top View**
**Top View**
![Support Top View](./img/core_support_top_profile.png)
### 🔗 Connectors
Connectors are used to connect supports in 1-3 dimensions, from a straight line to extend a support, up to a 6 way connector in 3 dimensions as center piece of a complex rack structure.
Connectors join supports in 1 to 3 dimensions.
From straight extenders to 6-way junctions.
![3D Shot of All Connectors](./img/3d_shot_all_connectors.png)
In above's picture you can see all permutations of all 3 types of connectors, which are:
* Standard -> they have a solid center and act are normally used for load bearing parts.
* Pull-Through -> In contrast to the standard connectors, they do not have a solid center part. Instead there's an opening where you can pull-through a support. They are used for complex rack builds like the 10" rack pictured above.
* Feet -> Besides the solid center, they also have a solid end piece instead of a support inlet. They are used - like the name suggests - as feet (e.g. for the rack build above to allow air intake from the bottom)
Types:
* **Standard** – Solid center; best for load-bearing.
* **Pull-Through** – Open center for complex builds (e.g. 10" rack).
* **Feet** – Solid end pieces; used as rack feet.
> [!IMPORTANT]
> To make it simple for a user to calculate heights, the center of a connector is always 1 `base_unit` and doesn't add any tolerances or other fluff. So if you connect 2 x3 supports with a standard connector you'll end up having exactly 7 `base_units` or 105mm in length.
> Connector centers are always 1 `base_unit` in height. No offsets, no fluff.
> So: 2 × 3-unit supports + 1 connector = exactly 7 base units (105mm).
Here's the schematics of a basic connector:
Schematics:
**Top View - Outer Measurements**
**Top View – Outer**
![Connector Outer Measurements](./img/core_connector_outer_measurement.png)
**Top View - Inner Measurements**
![Connector Outer Measurements](./img/core_connector_inner_measurement.png)
**Top View – Inner**
![Connector Inner Measurements](./img/core_connector_inner_measurement.png)
### 📏 Spring Pins
Spring pins are used to keep supports and connectors in place, so it doesn't fall apart when moving it.
Spring pins hold the system together.
![Spring Pin 3D](./img/core_spring_pin_3d.png)
The pins contain the actual 🪄 "magic" of the HomeRacker system. Since they have a convex base shape, they need to squeeze into the holes of the supports, where they will reapply their original shape, when in place. This spring-lock ensures that they don't just fall out when they get bored.
They rely on tension from their convex shape to stay in place.
Here's the schematics of a spring pin:
Schematics:
**Top View**
![Spring Pin Side](./img/core_spring_pin_top.png)
**Side View**
> Don't ask me why the height is 3.791mm here. Originally intended was 4mm, but it doesn't harm functionality, so I just left it as it is.
**Side View**
> Don’t ask why the height is 3.791mm—it works. I left it as-is.
![Spring Pin Side](./img/core_spring_pin_side.png)
> I am still not a 100% convinced that the grip of the pin is good enough. Maybe I'll change that in the future to allow better grip AND better stability. We'll see. In any case, the base dimensions will stay the same to be downwards-compatible.
> I may tweak the pin grip in future versions for to make it easier to pull-out again. But the base dimensions will remain the same for compatibility.
## 🌍 Open Specs
I created the `HomeRacker - Core` system to (maybe) be an open spec which every maker can build upon with (almost) no strings attached (see [Licensing](#-licensing) for details). Maybe it even becomes an Open "Standard" one day.
Therefore I highly encourage all of you to create your own models building upon the HomeRacker system.
If you let me know about your projects, I will feature them here on this site and cross-link them on MakerWorld (provided they get my "totally objective" stamp of approval). Just [create an issue](https://github.com/kellervater/homeracker/issues/new) here if you want to be featured!
I created `HomeRacker - Core` to be an open spec that any maker can build on, with (almost) no strings attached.
(See [Licensing](#-licensing) for more.)
I encourage you to make your own models based on HomeRacker!
Let me know, and I’ll feature your work on this page and cross-link it on Makerworld (subject to my "very objective" approval 😄).
Just [create an issue](https://github.com/kellervater/homeracker/issues/new) if you want to be featured.
# ❓ Why the name?
Following about four hours of research, I discovered that all my initial naming ideas (such as UniRack, OpenRack, etc.) were already in use by other creators or companies.
So, HomeRacker is a bit of a tongue-in-cheek creation. It combines the practical ability to build racks for homelabs with a more humorous, if slightly concerning, potential to literally become a "homewrecker" when the joy of building racks consumes too much time that could be spent with loved ones.
After ~4 hours of research, I found all my original ideas (UniRack, OpenRack, etc.) were taken.
So, "HomeRacker" was born—part practical, part tongue-in-cheek. It fits the homelab theme, but also hints at the "home-wrecking" time sink this can become.
# 📜 Licensing
> [!NOTE]
> tl;dr - Use it for ANY purpose (even commercial), but don't forget to give credit and to share it the same way!
> tl;dr – Use it for ANY purpose (even commercial), but credit me and share alike!
* The source code in this repository is licensed under the `MIT License` (see [LICENSE](./LICENSE)).
* All 3D models and creative assets (in /models/) are licensed under the `CC BY 4.0 License` (see [/models/LICENSE](./models/LICENSE)).
* Source code: `MIT License` ([LICENSE](./LICENSE))
* 3D models & creative assets (`/models/`): `CC BY 4.0 License` ([/models/LICENSE](./models/LICENSE))
These licenses apply ONLY to the `HomeRacker - Core` system and the customizable rackmount ears. So, basically all content of this repository.
These licenses apply to the `HomeRacker - Core` system and customizable rackmount ears.
> [!IMPORTANT]
> All other models and derivates of HomeRacker I created may be released under less permissive licenses. But this will be disclosed at the respective models on MakerWorld.
> Other models I publish may have more restrictive licenses. This will be stated clearly on Makerworld.
# 🧪 Tests
Of course I tested stuff... It took me 4 months from the idea to the first release here.
Look at the prototypes:
Of course I tested stuff... It took ~4 months from idea to this release.
Look at all the prototypes:
![Prototypes](./img/prototypes.jpg)
## ⚠️ Disclaimer
> [!WARNING]
> This project is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind. Use it at your own risk. The creators are not responsible for any damage, injury, or loss caused by the use of this project or its components. Always ensure proper safety precautions when assembling or using the HomeRacker system.
> This project is provided “as is,” without any warranty. Use at your own risk. I’m not responsible for damage, injury, or loss caused by using this system or its parts.
Aside from the scary warning above, I need to mention, that due to the high modularity of this system combined with limited time and resources I was of course not able to test every combination of filaments, printers, print-settings, room conditions (temperature, humidity) or to do extensive load-bearing tests.