Network Accessible Storage Project with 3D Printing and a Raspberry Pi

Network accessible storage (NAS) is becoming a more common piece of the personal computer network as well as a more important piece of small business and enterprise networks. Many advantages come with a NAS implementation, such as the ability to access files from remote locations, the ability to easily back up data, as well as the flexibility of sharing data with other users on your network. Many different kinds of NAS exist, from personal smaller storage solutions to scalable mass storage implementations. A recent project from Redditor CodemanHB demonstrates a personal small-scale solution utilizing a Raspberry Pi and a custom 3D-printed case.

The unit uses a Raspberry Pi 4 4GB version, an Uctronics PoE HAT, a 240x320 pixel 2" IPS LCD display module, a 500GB SK Hynix SATA III SSD, as well as a USB to SATA adapter cable. In addition to being the main storage device, the SSD also stores the OS for running the NAS. Generally speaking, NAS can get expensive quickly, so the DIY solutions present a lot of cost-saving compared to a readily available solution from companies such as Synology or QNAP.

The enclosure for the NAS is a beautiful 3D-printed case, which was designed in Fusion 360 and made with a Creality3D CR-10 3D printer. Furthermore, a carbon fiber filament was used that appears to leave a very nice finish on the printed parts. For more pictures and info can be found on CodemanHB's Thingiverse page.