Magnet Storage Box V2 (OpenSCAD)

Update Version 2.0

This supersedes Magnet Storage Box Version 1.0

I have made all of the requested changes for the first version.

• The opening above the magnets (to allow you to see them) will now hold even the smallest sizes without them popping out the top.
• The spacing between magnets now allows a greater value.
• There is now an optional lip extension to prevent the smallest magnets from sliding out when the lid is closed.
• There is a new feature to better allow you to label the contents of the box. It allows you to display the diameters and depths in a different label direction.
• There is a new feature to show you the print bed size you will need for your box.

Generator Usage

Set the magnet dimensions:

• The length of the box is set by your longest stack of magnets. {My box in the included files is 100mm.}
• This width of the box is automatically set by the list of your magnets. Enter a list of your magnet diameters (separated by commas) in the order you want and set the spacing between them. {My box in the included files uses 15,12,10,8,8,6,5,4,3 with 3 spacing for a total of about 100mm.}
• Update: Enter a matching list of your magnet depths. {My box in the included files uses 3, 3, 3, 3, 1, 2, 2, 2, 1} The 2 lists need to be aligned with each other (in my lists, the first is 15x3 and the last is 3x1). If the depth list is too short it will show "?". Select the text direction to Vertical to get "diameter x depth" for a label on each tube.
• The height of the box is automatically set by the diameter of your largest magnet.

You can further tweak the box with these parameters:

• Choose a font, size, and style for the label on the lid.
• Update: Set the text direction to Vertical to get a diameter x depth label. Set it to Horizontal to get just the diameter as in the first version.
• Update: Set the lip extension to add more length to the lip height to keep the magnets inside the box with the lid closed. {My box in the included files adds an extra 2mm, which is plenty to cover a 3mm magnet tube. It can be lengthened to the full height of the box if desired.}

Some advanced settings:

• Set a different hinge pin diameter.
• Set all of the critical clearances.

And some design aids:

• Rotate the lid open and closed to check the fit.
• Use the cutout feature to check the clearances.
• Individually de-select the lid or the base to see each part clearly.
• Update: Check the show dimensions box to see the calculated bed size it will use when printing.

When you are ready to create the STL files, you need to rotate the lid open and you must select the base and lid individually.

Slicing note

The hinge area should be solid - in PrusaSlicer set "solid infill threshold area" to at least 200 (see my 3MF file).

Printing note

I made mine with a 2 color lid to help make the size labels pop out. I used a font depth of .6 – but a light color over a dark color could probably use a larger value.

Design note

I went with a separate lid and base instead of print-in-place so you can create a bigger box that will still fit your print bed.

Assembly

This box is meant to use a piece of filament for a hinge. (see my tutorial). You may also change the hinge diameter (up to 4mm) and use a different material such as a rod or wire.

Using OpenSCAD and the Customizer

If you are new to using OpenSCAD and changing parameters, I’ve included my tutorial that may help.

Update: OpenSCAD Version 2101.10 is required for the customizer to show the diameter and depth arrays. This is the current official release. Newer versions are beta and the customizer does not fully work with them.

Note about JSON file

I’ve included my settings so you can see examples. If you want to use it, here’s the steps:

• The settings file is a ".json" file (as required by OpenSCAD).
• Prusa does not allow this type of file to be uploaded.
• I have added ".txt" to the end to make it a text file for upload.
• You need to rename it by deleting ".txt" from the end.
  • You need to show file name extensions.
  • You safely may ignore any warning about making the file unusable.
• Place it in the same folder that you put the main .scad file.
  • The base part of the names must also be the same.
  • For example: "Generator.scad" and "Generator.json"