Modular Scalable Filament Swatch System

So I didn’t have much interest in printing filament samples (swatches) for many years because I didn’t like swatch systems that I saw. I also used only 1 or 2 brands of filament initially too which meant there was not so much to keep track of. But that has all changed now, I started to realize that it was a huge mistake not printing samples. After about 10 years of 3d printing I have used a lot of filaments and some that I can not track down now. So I decided it was time to figure out a swatch system that worked for me. And, this is it…

In this system, you print a holder along with or for every swatch card you print and voila… you have a scalable system that grows with each sample printed. I initially wanted to print each holder in the filament colour specific to that swatch. But then I thought, that would make me crazy constantly re-arranging swatches as I print new colours (because they obviously have to be in a methodical order). So I tried making the holders all one colour. And, I like that but subsequently made the interconnection of the holders more robust and have gone back to printing the holders with the swatch and rearranging them as needed. And, that has worked out well. I feel really good about it.

The cards are 80mm x 40mm so they print quickly but are large enough to make it possible to really see the colours. Each card is 1.6mm thick but has sections to evaluate opacity at 0.4mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm and 1.4mm. The trays are 3mm thick so it leaves a small gap to help grab the sample cards when needed. I also included a detent so the cards do not all fall out as you move the set around.

Because the base (holder) pieces snapped together, you can re-arrange them, expand or remove samples whenever you want. I have also included optional end walls for each end (male and female) to make it look a little more finished. And, an optional middle wall to help separate material types or other categories if you choose.

I recommend writing on each as follows:

  • Brand
  • Type
  • Colour
  • Print Date (optional)
  • Machine it was printed on (optional)

I organize my different materials in different sets. For example, my PLA set is separate from my PETG set.

As for colour organization, obviously you can do it however you want, but I recommend the following visually intuitive and pleasing sequence:

White → Light Grey → Dark Grey → Black → Red → Orange → Yellow → Green → Blue → Purple → Brown → Specialty Colors (like metallics or translucent)

Assembly Notes

No post-print processing is required. Just snap the pieces together.

Where to Get My STL Files

Thangs.com

I am now posting all of my new designs on Thangs.com and plan to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Some of my older designs may not have been migrated over yet so if they are not available on Thangs.com please check on Thingiverse.

Use, Licensing, Comments and Feedback

My primary distribution site for my design files is Thangs.com. Thangs.com is, in my opinion, leading the way in promoting designers and competition amongst designers which in turn fuels the growth of high-quality 3d printable designs for the benefit of our entire community. However, as a result, some of my designs are only available for free for 1 week from when first posted, so please download them when you see a new file available that you are interested in. Also, please like and save to help me with the competitions.

I do not permit the use of my designs for commercial purposes (i.e. you can not sell my design(s) or products printed from my design(s)) without first acquiring a commercial license from me. On Thangs.com I offer membership accounts for access to all my design files as well as a membership for commercial licensing which allows subscribers to sell printed products using my designs.

I welcome comments and feedback as we as requests for customization of designs. I will do my best to accommodate those requests.


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