Part Numbers Explained

Navigating through thousands of model files requires a systematic approach, and logical part numbers play a crucial role in achieving this. In this chapter, I’ll unravel each element of the part numbers, simplifying your search for specific models.

The illustration above breaks down the various components of every part number, each of which I’ll explain in the following sections.

Project Identifier

Every part number begins with LR2052, signifying it’s part of the storage boxes system. This is the project identifier.

This identifier is divided into three segments: LR represents the creator of the project, the subsequent two digits indicate the year, and the final two digits denote the project number within that year.

The storage boxes system, being a singular expansive project, ensures all part numbers share this consistent identifier. I employ a similar part numbering system across all my projects, so if you’ve printed models other than storage boxes, this format might already be familiar to you.

Series Number

Following the project identifier is a three or four-digit number. The first one or two digits of this number represent the series number, which groups elements of the storage boxes system into logical categories.

I assigned the series numbers in chronological order as I created the models. You may notice gaps in the numbers; these are either placeholders for unreleased projects or intentionally left open for future expansions.

Width and Depth Explained

The two digits immediately following the series number indicate the primary dimensions of the model, namely its width and depth, measured in units. In this project, every storage box aligns with a 60x60mm grid, simplifying the process of discerning the dimensions from these digits.

Consider a model with the part number LR2052-123D. This denotes a regular storage box (Series 1) with a width of 2 units (120mm) and a depth of 3 units (180mm).

Deciphering Width and Depth

You might wonder which of the two dimensions represents width and which represents depth. For symmetrical boxes, it’s inconsequential. However, for boxes featuring a label area, the width always aligns with the edge bearing the label.

Addressing Models Without Defined Width and Depth

Currently, all models in this collection have specified width and depth, and thus employ the two digits following the series number accordingly.

For any future models that don’t conform to these dimensions, the two digits will function as a sequence starting from 01. The notation 00 is reserved to refer to the series as a whole and not to any specific model file.

Understanding the Revision Letter

Immediately following the two-dimensional digits is the revision letter. Typically starting at A, I increment this letter each time I modify the geometry of an existing model.

I ensure that any new revision of a model remains compatible with its older versions. If a change is substantial enough to break compatibility, I allocate a new series number to the model, as was the case with the updated rail grids.

The revision letter is beneficial for archiving purposes. It can be crucial for those who have fine-tuned their printing process and wish to preserve it until they’ve had the opportunity to test new geometries. However, most users might find that the geometric changes are often so subtle that they’re barely noticeable.

Exploring Model Variants

Following the primary model number, there might be an optional variant identifier. A model variant indicates that while the fundamental geometry remains unchanged, there are added elements or slight variations in one aspect of the design.

The subsequent section delves into the model variants currently incorporated into the storage box system and clarifies their significance.

Storage Boxes with Dividers (-G)

For most of the storage boxes, there are variants with internal dividers. As I call them internally “grids”, they have assigned the variant letter G followed by a digit that specifies the grid layout.

The illustration above shows all eight divider layouts that currently exist. Not all storage boxes series support all divider layouts. Especially small divider layouts make little sense for the tall boxes.

For larger divider layouts, also consider that using many smaller boxes create dividers in its own way.

Storage Boxes for Round Items (-R)

I’ve designed specific variants of storage boxes to adeptly hold cylindrical or rounded items.

The digit immediately following the variant letter R denotes the maximum diameter, measured in tenths of a millimeter, that these boxes can accommodate. For example, -R085 signifies that the box is crafted to hold items with a diameter of up to 8.5mm.

Subsequent to this diameter, another number appears, indicating the height of the internal divider structure as a percentage. Presently, all storage boxes in this series have dividers that are 60% of the box’s height.

Split Storage Boxes (-S)

For those with smaller printers yet an aspiration to create large storage boxes, I’ve devised the split storage boxes variant.

In this case, the dimensions stated in the part number refer to the size of the fully assembled box. The digit trailing the variant letter S represents the element number.

Smaller boxes may require just two or three prints to assemble, while larger ones could comprise up to nine elements that need to be glued together to craft the complete storage box.

Variants with Different Part Number Placement (-spn)

Several models come with variants whose part numbers conclude with -spn. Initially, this suffix was shorthand for “small part number.” However, in more recent models, the size of the part number remains consistent across all versions. Now, the -spn suffix simply signifies that the part number is positioned on the bottom of the box.

The image above offers a comparative view of these two styles. The box on the left displays a part number embossed on its side, while the box on the right has the part number engraved on its bottom.