Features of this Storage Box System
The storage boxes and elements within this system boast a range of features that distinguish them from many alternatives.
Optimal Raster
60×60mm for Width and Depth
I determined that the 60×60mm grid seamlessly fits into nearly every drawer and onto every shelf. The smaller assortment boxes are perfectly sized for storing items like screws and electronic components, while still allowing ample space to retrieve components with ease.
One advantage of the square grid is the versatility it offers in orienting your storage boxes within a drawer. Long boxes can be positioned either horizontally or vertically. I found this particularly beneficial for neatly filling gaps at the back of a drawer with boxes designed for long screws.
The 60mm grid aligns well with most European furniture dimensions, optimizing the utilization of available space. The storage boxes range from a compact 1×1 unit to expansive models spanning 9×9 units or 540×540mm in any width and depth combinations that make sense. This ensures you can always find the ideal combination to maximize storage efficiency in your shelves or drawers.
40mm for Height
The stacking grid is designed with a 40mm increment, meaning that each stacked 1-unit regular storage box contributes an additional 40mm in height. While the actual height of a regular box is 44mm, stacking two boxes results in a cumulative height of 84mm, always 4mm more than the sum of the unit heights.
The rims of stacked assortment boxes align seamlessly at the top, regardless of whether you combine flat (0.5 unit or half-height), regular, extended (1.5 unit), tall (2-unit or double height), or even taller boxes.
The available boxes come in heights of 24mm, 44mm, 64mm, 84mm, 124mm, and 164mm. All these sizes maintain perfect alignment when stacked, ensuring a neat appearance even when mixing different heights.
Stackable
Stackability is a crucial feature I integrated into this storage box system.
The idea behind these assortment boxes is to facilitate their easy removal from a drawer or shelf. For instance, when working on a project, you can simply grab the boxes containing M3x8, M3x12 screws and M3 nuts and place them on your workbench. I designed the storage boxes to stack securely, allowing for convenient transportation around your workspace.
Additionally, stacking assortment boxes enables you to utilize vertical space in a drawer or shelf more efficiently.
Storage boxes of identical dimensions can be stacked, and smaller boxes can be placed atop larger ones. However, due to the constraints of the 3D-print design, there are some limitations:
- 1×1 boxes may not stack well on 2×2, 2×3, and so on, due to the principles of physics. 😄
- Long boxes cannot be stacked crosswise. I believe the groove I designed for the rails at the bottom would become too large. While crosswise stacking is possible, it doesn’t result in a stable configuration.
Stabilizing Profiles
Each assortment box in my system incorporates a distinctive side profile, meticulously crafted to enhance rigidity. While I optimized the design specifically for PLA, this feature also provides benefits when printing the boxes with softer materials, such as PETG.
The profile design varies across different series of storage boxes, each tailored to suit the respective height. However, the design elements at the bottom and the rim are consistently maintained across all heights. This consistent feature facilitates ease of handling when removing the assortment boxes from a drawer.
For larger storage boxes, I introduced ribs at the sides to counteract any potential bulging when filled with heavy objects, such as screws. I ensured that larger boxes are equipped with more robust and numerous ribs, striking the right balance between material conservation and stability.
Additionally, these ribs play a crucial role in enhancing the stackability of the assortment boxes. They help align smaller boxes and prevent any lateral movement, ensuring a stable and orderly stacking experience.
Rail Grids
Rail grids are an essential feature designed to secure all storage boxes in place within drawers or cases. These grids can be affixed either by gluing or screwing them into your drawer or directly onto your shelf.
I have designed a variety of rail grids to accommodate any size requirement, ensuring efficient utilization of the printer bed during production. Moreover, these grids are crafted to maximize the use of space in your drawer or on your shelf.
The storage box system now encompasses not just one, but five different types of rail grids. Each is meticulously optimized for factors such as material usage, fit precision—whether loose or tight—and elevation, either raised or flush with the surface. You have the flexibility to select the most suitable type for your needs, or even to choose whether to use one at all.
Optimized for FFF from the Ground Up
Understanding the advantages and limitations of the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process, I designed my organizer box system to be fully optimized for this manufacturing method. I conducted extensive tests on all designs using a Prusa i3 MK3s equipped with a 0.4mm nozzle and the default profile “0.2mm speed”. My focus was to achieve the best print results while minimizing print times.
The objectives I set for optimizing the FFF process included:
- Reducing print time.
- Maximizing printing speed.
- Ensuring the grid size effectively utilizes the print beds of Prusa Mini, Prusa i3 MK3s+, and Prusa XL.
- Minimizing filament consumption.
- Achieving optimal rigidity for both PLA and PETG.
- Ensuring compatibility with nozzle sizes: 0.4mm, 0.6mm, and 0.8mm.
- Reducing stringing and minimizing the risk of defects.
By considering these goals, I ensured that the organizer box system is not only functional but also efficient and economical to produce.
Dual-Label System
Ensuring the mobility of the assortment boxes was crucial for me during their design. My preference is to gather all the necessary components for a project and position the boxes on my workbench for convenient assembly. When a container resides in a drawer, its label must be discernible from the top. Conversely, when the storage boxes are stacked, a label on the side should be visible.
Each box is designed with a dedicated space to accommodate a 12mm (½ inch) label strip. The image illustrates the placement, which remains visible when the box is situated in a drawer or on a shelf.
Additionally, there’s another location for a label on the external side of the assortment box. This placement ensures visibility when the box is on a shelf or when multiple boxes are stacked atop one another.
The labels are set at a 45º angle, a design choice that facilitates easy readability from within a drawer, especially when one’s line of sight is restricted.
Logical Part Numbers
Managing and quickly locating the correct model among more than 5000 files is crucial. To streamline this process, I have assigned each storage box a logical part number, which is meticulously engraved on either its side or bottom.
The part numbers are organized into several series, and each number also contains the unit size of the box. This systematic approach ensures that finding the desired model is straightforward. The numbering system is not only easy to comprehend but also thoroughly documented.
Should you possess a printed box and wish to print additional ones, simply refer to its part number and search for the corresponding file. Moreover, a dedicated download area equipped with a search function allows you to efficiently locate your box using various parameters.
Boxes with Built-in Dividers
To facilitate the organization of similar items within a single container, I’ve designed variants of boxes that include built-in dividers.
I offer a diverse selection of layouts, allowing you to optimize the utilization of the box’s volume based on your specific needs. Among these, I’ve crafted dividers specifically tailored to accommodate cylindrical or round items, ensuring they are stored securely and efficiently.
Split Boxes for Small Printers
Understanding the constraints of working with a small printer, I have devised a set of split boxes to accommodate users who wish to print larger containers that exceed the dimensions of their printer bed.
These components are specifically designed to fit comfortably on the print bed of a Prusa Mini. By printing and assembling these sections, you have the flexibility to create boxes of almost any size to suit your needs.
Read the Documentation
I understand that preferences vary when it comes to 3D printing: some may prefer to download and immediately start printing, while others seek a deeper understanding of the objects they print. For those who desire comprehensive information, I have crafted detailed documentation.
Initially, there’s a quick start chapter designed to acquaint you with all the essential information in less than ten minutes.
Beyond the quick start, feel free to delve into the documentation where I elucidate on topics such as the part numbers, the distinctions between different series, the organization of files, and guidelines for printing the storage boxes.
For enthusiasts interested in construction and design, I’ve included chapters explaining key geometries. Additionally, for beginners, I provide guidance on constructing a simple platform that seamlessly aligns with the rail grids.
Conclusion: Explore Further
The models I’ve designed, paired with the accompanying documentation, are crafted with an aim to be both practical and user-friendly.
The assortment of features is a result of careful consideration to meet diverse needs. Whether you’re well-versed in 3D printing or just starting out, I hope you find these models to be useful and insightful.
I encourage you to take a closer look at the models and delve into the detailed documentation. Thank you for taking the time to consider this storage boxes system. I hope it proves to be a helpful resource in your journey to organize all your items.