Open Binder

This project is a physical manifestation of the Open by Design thesis. Which you can find here: https://github.com/moritzengel/Open-by-Design/tree/main

It is a hybrid folder and shelf combination designed to hold the scrapbook (ring binding) while providing individual, stacked shelves for the abstract, the printed essay, and the empty research cards.

By making this design open-source, the goal is to provide a functional, repairable, and adaptable binding system that anyone can manufacture at home or in a local FabLab.

Bill of Materials (BOM)

To build this binding, you will need a mix of standard off-the-shelf hardware and custom-manufactured parts.

Standard Hardware (To Buy):

• 4x M3 x 8mm screws

• 4x M1.2 x 6mm screws

Manufactured Parts (To Make):

CNC Cut or 3D Printed:

• 1x Front Panel: Can be CNC milled from 2mm Aluminium (recommended for stability and aesthetics) or 3D printed out of PLA/PETG.

3D Printed (e.g., in Black PLA/PETG):

• 1x Spacer 1.4 mm

• 2x Spacer 2.8 mm (If laser cut)

• 1x Shelfboard no. 1 (If only 3D-Printed)

• 1x Shelfboard no. 2 (If only 3D-Printed)

• 1x Bottom Shelfboard no. 3.1 (If only 3D-Printed)

• 1x Bottom Shelfboard no. 3.2 (If only 3D-Printed)

• 2x Rings

If you want to Laser cut:

• 1x Shelfboard no. 1 ( dxf file)

• 1x Shelfboard no. 2  ( dxf file)

• 1x Shelfboard no. 3  ( dxf file)

Assembly Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Parts

Ensure all 3D printed parts are clean and free of support material. If you CNC-milled the aluminum front panel, lightly sand the edges to remove any sharp burrs.

Step 2: Assemble the Bottom Base

Print Bottom Shelfboard no. 3.1 and Bottom Shelfboard no. 3.2, so the outside facing surfaces are on the printbed, and then glue the two parts together with superglue.

Step 3: Secure the Rings

Use the M1.2 x 6mm screws to fasten the 2x Binding Rings that are pushed through the front panel after inserting standard printed DIN A5 pages.

Step 4: Stack the Shelves

Begin stacking the internal structure. Place Shelfboard no. 2 over the base, followed by Shelfboard no. 1, using the Spacer no. 1 to maintain the correct gaps for your documents.

Step 5: Attach the Front Panel

Align your 2mm Aluminum (or 3D printed) Front Panel with the mounting holes on the assembled shelf structure. Use the M3 x 8mm screws to secure the panel to the 3D-printed body.

How to Modify

Because this is an "Open by Design" object, you are encouraged to adapt it!

• Need more shelves? You can print additional spacers and shelf boards.

• Using a different paper size? Modify the step or Fusion 360 files to widen the shelf base.

If you make a cool modification, please share it!