Small Boxes

I have always been the type of person who likes small boxes and storage cases. I recently designed a nice, simple enclosure system that lends itself well to making small containers (boxes) with sliding, locking lids. And, so far, I have made quite a few variants…

Since the design is almost identical for all the variants, I can make these into a wide range of dimensions. If I could use variables, these could be customizable in the slicer, but I have not mastered that skill yet. I design in Shapr3d, and variables are now available, so I hope that in the near future, that is something I can master.

I designed a small compliant part that extends along the inside side of the case and provides a “push-button” through a corresponding hole in the side of the case. There is a “post” on the inside side of the push-button which interferes with a post or tab on the inside of the lid. When the push-button is depressed, the compliant part flexes into the box and the two posts no longer interfere allowing the lid to be slid off.

Print Settings

This product was designed for a 0.4mm nozzle, a 0.2mm layer height. For best results I suggest the following:

• Material = I used PLA, I am confident PETG or ABS would be fine too.
• Nozzle = 0.4mm
• Layer Height = 0.2mm
• Line Width = 0.4mm
• Wall Count = 4 (1.6mm)
• Top and Bottom Layer Count = 5
• Detect Thin Walls = ON
• Wall Generator = Arachne
• Infill = 40% (Cubic)
• Brim = Should not be needed 
• Support = No, all required support is incorporated into the design.
• Print orientation = As per the STL/3MF files

Assembly Notes

After printing, the smaller boxes have print support under the push buttons that needs to be removed. Then, I strongly recommend applying a small drop of synthetic lubricant onto the front corners of the lid as illustrated. The lubricant significantly improves the sliding of the lid.

Then assembly is as simple as snapping the lid onto the box. It is best done by placing the front corners of the lid on the box at an angle and then bringing it down flat onto the box as illustrated.