Generate Your Custom Nest

This page will guide you through the process of creating a fully customizable AntCraft formicarium using Onshape. Follow these steps to generate and modify your own nest design, tailored to your ant colony’s needs.

1. Project Creation

To start building your custom formicarium, you’ll need an Onshape account. If you don’t already have one, sign up for a free account on Onshape.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Create a New Onshape Document
   After logging in, click on the Create dropdown menu to start a new document.

2. Open the 'Part Studio 1' Tab and Use Derived
   Inside your new document, navigate to Part Studio 1. Click on the Derived button to bring in parts from other documents.

3. Select 'Other Documents' tab and Search for 'AntCraft'
   In the Derived menu, choose Other Documents. Use the search bar to find the official AntCraft project. Make sure you select the main project, not any duplicates.
   

4. Choose the Frame and Set Your Options
   Once inside the AntCraft project, open the Frame Part Studio. Customize parameters like ant size, nest size, and additional features to suit your formicarium. You can learn more about these options on the Options and Parts page.

5. Generate and Import the ant_box Part
   After finalizing your choices, click Generate. This will create the custom ant_box part (and others, which you can ignore for now). Import the ant_box into your document.
   

6. Modify and Customize
   With the ant_box imported into your document, you can now edit it. Use Onshape’s tools to design custom galleries and decorations for your nest, personalizing it to fit your vision.

Optional: Create Additional Nests or Hunting Areas

To add more sections, such as new nests or hunting areas, simply follow the same steps in a separate Part Studio.

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2. Assembly

Once you've created your custom parts, it's time to assemble them into a complete formicarium.

Step-by-Step Assembly:

1. Open 'Assembly 1'
   In your Onshape document, go to Assembly 1.

2. Import Your Custom ant_box
   From your Part Studio, import your customized ant_box into the assembly.

3. Add Remaining Parts
   You'll need to bring in other components from the original AntCraft project. Click Insert and use the same process to import the missing parts (e.g., the frame, caps, doors, or water system).

4. Complete the Assembly
   Once all parts are imported, use Onshape’s assembly tools to fit everything together. Ensure that all parts align properly, just as they would when printed and physically assembled.

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You now have a fully customized, printable, and ready-to-assemble AntCraft formicarium! Once printed and assembled, your nest will be ready for your ant colony.

Don’t forget to share your custom configurations with the community through the Model Library page!