Noctyros 3D-Printing

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Here you will find all the essential information about the MagLab Formicarium system. This includes the basic setup, required 3D-printed parts, and magnet placement. You will also find answers to common questions and practical tips for setup, use, and expansion.

You can find this project at Makerworld. [[https://makerworld.com/de/models/2496280-maglab-formicarium-a-magnetic-modular-ant-nest#profileId-2743587|MagLab Formicarium - A magnetic modular ant nest]]


====== The Basic Components ======

The MagLab Formicarium consists of several core components that can all be connected to each other. With only a small number of parts, this modular design allows for many different configurations.

You can find all available components listed below. Click on the images/videos links to enlarge them.

|< 100% 10% 60% 25% 5% >|
^  Part  ^  Description  ^  STL File  ^  Support  ^



====== Basic Set – Required Materials ======
The following list shows the materials required to build a basic MagLab setup consisting of:

  * 3 Nest Modules
  * 1 Nest Hub (Optional)
  * 1 Arena S (Small)

===== Magnets =====
  * 100 × Neodymium magnets (8x2 mm) [[https://amzn.eu/d/05m0MeNP|Buy it on Amazon]]
  * 30 × Neodymium magnets (6x2 mm) [[https://amzn.eu/d/08BFObRO|Buy it on Amazon]]
 

 

===== Microscope Slides =====
The total number of microscope slides depends on the arena size you choose.
The counts below already include the slides required for the nest modules.

  * 14 × Microscope slides when using Arena S [[https://amzn.eu/d/01rOkklj|Buy it on Amazon]]
  * 18 × Microscope slides when using Arena L [[https://amzn.eu/d/01rOkklj|Buy it on Amazon]]
===== Filament =====

  * Approximately 250 g of filament (about 25% of a 1 kg spool)

This includes all printed components for the nests, hub, and arena.

For my prints, I used Bambu Lab Matte Dessert Tan PLA, which gives the parts a particularly nice sand-like texture and natural appearance.
===== Tubing (SKÅDIS wall setup) =====
If you plan to use the SKÅDIS wall-mounted version, you will also need:

  * Approximately 2 meters of transparent PVC tubing 8 mm diameter

This tubing is used to connect the nest modules to the Nest Hub and the Arena.

===== Quick tip =====
If you purchase 200 neodymium magnets (8 mm and 6 mm), a pack of 100 microscope slides, and one spool of filament, you will be well equipped to build the basic setup and still have spare parts for future expansions.

====== Print the parts ======
Before printing the parts, it is important to make sure that your printer is properly calibrated. This project uses fairly tight tolerances, so correct printer calibration and properly calibrated filament profiles are essential for a good fit.

All parts shown in the images were printed using a 0.4 mm nozzle. Some users may prefer using a 0.2 mm nozzle for higher detail or slightly more precise tolerances. However, printing with a 0.4 mm nozzle works perfectly fine and was used for the entire project.

For best results, it is recommended to print all parts (except the vertical adapter) using the pre-configured layer height of 0.10 mm, as set in the provided slicer profile. While it is technically possible to increase the layer height to 0.20 mm manually, this is not recommended, as it may lead to tolerance.

Although all parts were successfully printed at 0.20 mm layer height during development, this was done on a very well-calibrated printer. If you want reliable and consistent results, especially regarding fit and precision, it is safer to stick with 0.10 mm layer height.

Most parts can be printed without supports, but a small number of components do require supports due to their geometry. Please refer to the parts table, where it is clearly indicated in the last column whether supports are required for a specific part.

To make printing easier, a ready-to-use print profile is provided. You can open it directly from MakerWorld by clicking “Open in Bambu Studio”. The print file is already configured, so you can simply load it and start printing.

**Important: In the provided print profile, supports are disabled by default, since the majority of parts do not require them. If a part requires supports according to the parts table, you need to enable supports manually in the slicer settings on the left side, as shown in the image. Supports should only be enabled for the specific parts that require them.**

{{:maglab:2026-03-13_17_59_54-maglab_-_bambustudio.png?direct|}}
====== Insert the microscope slides into the lids =====
{{maglab:img_1769.jpg?direct&200|}}  {{maglab:img_1771.jpg?direct&200|}}

For the nests, microscope glass slides are not embedded during printing. Instead, they are simply placed on top of the nest structure, and the lid is put over them. This makes handling very easy and allows you to remove or replace the glass at any time. This applies to all nest versions starting from April 13, 2026.

For the arena, however, the design uses embedded microscope slides for maximum stability and to ensure an escape-proof seal.

What may sound complicated is actually very simple. The print profiles are configured so that the printer automatically pauses during the print. At this moment, the print head moves to the side, allowing you to easily place the microscope slides into the designated recesses in the lid.

After inserting the glass, simply resume the print. The printer will continue and seal the slides into the lid by printing the remaining layers over the edges of the glass.

In my prints, the pause occurs at layer 20, which works very well. However, depending on your printer calibration and tolerances, layer 21 or 22 may be more suitable. If the filament does not adhere well to the microscope slides, you can adjust the pause layer manually in your slicer.

If you prefer not to embed the slides at all, there is also an alternative arena version without embedded glass.

//Note: You can also watch the video, where the process is demonstrated and where it is explained how to manually set the pause layer in the slicer.//

{{:maglab:aufzeichnung_2026-03-10_115126.mp4|}}




====== Setup Examples ======
{{:maglab:basic.png?direct&200|}} {{:maglab:basic_16mm_tube.png?direct&200|}} {{:maglab:basic_3_nests.png?direct&200|}} {{:maglab:nest_vertical_arena.png?direct&200|}} {{:maglab:advanced_3_nests.png?direct&200|}} 

//Click on the images to enlarge them//
====== Assemble the formicarium ======

The assembly of the formicarium is quite simple. The most important thing to check is the polarity of the magnets. Make sure that all magnets are inserted with the correct orientation so they attract each other instead of repelling.

During assembly, make sure that all unused tunnels or connection ports are closed with stoppers. This prevents escape routes and keeps the system properly sealed.

Inside each nest, the rear chamber must be filled with cotton wool. This chamber acts as the water reservoir used to maintain the humidity inside the nest.

To assemble the arena, microscope glass slides are inserted into the vertical guide slots located in the corner pillars of the arena. These slots hold the glass panels that form the walls of the arena.

For the small arena, use two glass slides on each side and one on the back.
For the large arena, use three glass slides on each side and two on the back.

If you would like to see the full assembly process step by step, you can also watch the assembly video, which demonstrates the setup in detail and may help clarify the process.

{{:maglab:img_1866.mp4|}}
====== Magnet installation ======
The system uses magnets to connect the individual modules. To ensure that all parts attract each other correctly, the magnets must be inserted with the correct polarity. For this purpose I designed a small magnet alignment tool which makes the process much easier.

You can download the tool here: https://makerworld.com/de/models/2491263-magnet-pole-checker#profileId-2737610

The tool consists of two parts called A and B. Place two magnets onto tool A and two magnets onto tool B. Then push the magnets from tool A into one printed part and the magnets from tool B into the part that should connect to it. Because the tools control the polarity, the modules will automatically attract each other once installed.

It is recommended to add a small drop of super glue into the magnet holes before inserting the magnets. This helps secure them in place and prevents them from coming loose over time.

For connecting the main modules, 8 mm diameter magnets are used. For attaching the lids, 6 mm magnets are used.

===== Magnet Positioning =====
The following table shows one example of how the magnets can be placed using the A and B alignment tools. This layout ensures that all modules connect correctly.

However, this is only a suggested configuration. You can also decide how to place the magnets yourself by using the A and B tools when installing them. As long as the polarity is consistent, the modules will connect properly.


|< 100% - 30em -  >|
^  Part  ^  Placement  ^  Info  ^ 
| Nest | Left side 4x (A) \\ Right side 4x (B) \\ Back 2x (A) \\ Front 2x (A) (When you use the hub) \\ Front 2x (B) (If you only use the arena without the hub) \\ Top (Lid) 2x (A) | Place the nest in front of you with the entrance facing forward and the cotton chamber (water reservoir) facing backwards. This defines the left and right sides. |
| Arena | 6 x (A) / Top (Lid) 4x (A) | 
| All lids | B |  |
| Hub | All sides 6x (B) / Top (Lid) 4x (A) | For the hub, it is recommended to install B magnets on all side connections. This allows all other modules to be easily connected to the hub using A magnets. The only exception is the lid, where A magnets should be used instead. |
| Stopper | A or B | For the stoppers there is no fixed A or B magnet orientation. The correct polarity depends on which connection or tunnel you want to close. Simply choose the magnet orientation that matches the module you are sealing so the stopper attaches properly. |


====== Keep the nests moist ======
Coming Soon 


====== Vertical Nest Adapter ======
The nest consists of three modular nest modules that are magnetically connected to form a single block. Once these modules are printed and assembled, the nest can easily be converted into a vertical configuration.

To do this, simply print the Vertical Nest Adapter and attach it to the existing nest modules. There is no need to reprint the nests or create a separate vertical version. The adapter allows the already printed nest block to be mounted in a vertical position.

After attaching the adapter, the vertical nest can be connected directly to the hub or the arena, just like in the horizontal configuration.

If you would like to see how this works in practice, please refer to the video below, where the installation process is demonstrated.

//Video coming soon.
//

====== IKEA SKÅDIS Integration  ======
The IKEA SKÅDIS system is a pegboard mounting system that allows tools, accessories and custom components to be mounted on a wall.

MagLab can be used with the SKÅDIS system by using dedicated adapters and mounting parts. These adapters allow existing MagLab modules to be attached to a SKÅDIS board without modifying or reprinting the modules.

The magnetic modularity of the MagLab system remains unchanged. Nest modules can still be connected directly to each other using the magnetic interface. In many setups, three nest modules can be combined without the need for tubing between them.

Due to dimensional constraints and tolerances, some components require tubing connections. The Arena and the MagLab HUB must therefore be connected using flexible tubing rather than the magnetic interface.

MagLab uses 8 mm tubing for these connections, while nest modules can continue to connect directly via magnets.

The following table lists all SKÅDIS-compatible printed parts, including their purpose and assembly position.

|< 100% - - 17em 5em >|
^  Part                                               ^  Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ^  STL File                  ^  Support  ^
| {{ :maglab:nest_to_skadis_bottom.png?100&direct }}  | To mount the nest to the IKEA SKÅDIS system, two printed parts are required: Nest to SKÅDIS Top and Nest to SKÅDIS Bottom. \\ \\ First, take the Nest to SKÅDIS Bottom part. \\ \\ This part is simply hooked into the IKEA SKÅDIS board. After that, the nest module can be placed directly onto it.                                                                                                                                                                   | Nest to Skadis Bottom.stl  |  Yes      |
| {{ :maglab:nest_to_skadis_top.png?100&direct }}     | After the nest has been mounted on the Nest to SKÅDIS Bottom part, the Nest to SKÅDIS Top piece is hooked into the IKEA SKÅDIS board above the nest. \\ \\ It is then slid down onto the nest, where it magnetically connects to the module and secures it in place.                                                                                                                                                                                                    | Nest to Skadis Top.stl     |  No       |
| {{ :maglab:arena_to_skadis.png?100&direct }}        | The Arena SKÅDIS module allows the arena to be mounted directly to the SKÅDIS wall system.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Arena to Skadis.stl        |  Yes      |
| {{ :maglab:skadis_tube_connector.png?100&direct }}  | The SKÅDIS Tube Connector is used to combine multiple tubing connections on a SKÅDIS wall setup. It acts as a small hub where several tubes can meet and be redistributed. \\ \\ The connector has four sides, each providing a tubing port. This allows up to four tubes to be connected to a single unit. \\ \\ By combining multiple connectors, the tubing network can be expanded across the entire SKÅDIS wall, allowing the system to be expanded indefinitely.  | Skadis Tube Connector.stl  |  No       |

|< 100% 20em 20em >|
^  Assembly video  ^  Example setup  ^ 
|  {{ :maglab:img_1878.mp4 |}}  |  {{:maglab:maglabmakerworldthumbnail3.png?direct&750|}}  |


====== Frequently Asked Questions ======
**Are there any more parts coming for the project?** \\
Yes, definitely. The project is far from finished. The goal is to create the largest project in this category that you can find on Makerworld. So stay tuned!

**Is the project compatible with other ant formicaria?** \\
Lab Ants: https://makerworld.com/de/models/1507786-lab-ants-a-modular-ant-formicarium?from=search#profileId-1578177 \\ \\
Do you have your own ant system and would like to connect it to the MagLab Formicarium? Feel free to contact me contact@noctyros.de.Together we can create an adapter so that our systems become compatible.

**Can the nest be darkened?** \\
Yes. The nest can be darkened using a Nest Cover. This is a printable cover that is simply placed on top of the nest and held in position with magnets. For more information and a demonstration video, please refer to the Parts List under Nest Cover.

**Can I donate to support the project?** \\
No. I do not accept donations, as I want to make my work freely available to everyone. However, if you would still like to support the project, I would really appreciate a Boost on MakerWorld. It is completely free for you, and I receive points through it that can be redeemed for filament. That would be more than enough support, and I would be very grateful.