Infinite Notebook without rubber bands

Update

• 7/13 - A4 version has been added.

• 7/12 - Initial release with US Letter version.

Introduction

I saw this infinite notebook design online and thought it was cool. However I don't like using rubber bands. The idea of using filament to make the hinges also seems annoying because straightening it is not easy. Also, I don't need the fancy feature such as holding a pen on board. I just want a minimalist infinite notebook. So I designed my own with the following goals: 1) No rubber band needed. 2) Everything is 3D printed (except the paper of course). 3) Holds flexible number of pages.

After dozens of iterations, I came up with the current version. Please read the instructions below carefully before proceeding to print. Feedbacks and suggestions are welcome. 

Note: Select the correct model files based on paper size: US letter vs A4. They are organized in different folders.

Printing

Due to the intricate design of the notebook, it does require decent dimension accuracy from your printer. So, instead of printing out everything then finding out it wouldn't assemble properly, print just the spines and a few pins to see if they can be assembled properly first before committing to print the covers, which take most of the time and filament usage.

Printer Settings

• 0.2mm layer height, 2x walls, 3x bottom layers, 5x top layers, 10-15% infill, no support/brim.

• Ensure elephant foot is compensated in the slicer.

• Flow rate for the filament is calibrated, or good enough.

Parts quantities

• Spines: at least one, which is the "Spine Last". If you want to hold more than 10 pages, print more "Spine Repeat" as needed. You only need one "Spine Last".

• Cover: two. If you want to be able to distinguish the front and back, you can print one of them with decorations in slicer, or use the "Cover - with pattern" model, which has very basic rectangle shapes.

• Pins: 6 minimum, extra 2x with each additional spine.

• Band: one for each spine, at least one.

Assembly

• The design is symmetric so there are many ways it can be put together, but careful arrangements can make it look more elegant. One suggestion is to keep the side that touches build plate outside.

• Everything is assembled using the printed square pins through the cutouts. In my tests, most of them go in very easily. If you feel strong resistance, don't force it. Make sure everything is aligned properly first. You can cut tiny bit of the tip of the pins at an angle (make it look sharp), then try again. If should go in easily. If not, your printer may need calibration for dimension accuracy.

• Start assembly with one cover and one spine. Secure them together using two pins. 

• Insert the band into the cut outs at the ends of the spine, then secure them with two pins. Please make sure the band is inserted in the proper orientation to keep it centered over the spines. See images for details.

• Attach additional spines and finally the second cover.

Usage

• Current design holes ~ 10 full sheets of typical printer paper folded in half per spine.

• Fold the paper in the middle and insert under the band. Pull it in until the folded seam is under the band.

• The hinges may take some usage to become smoother.

• Note: the papers are not completely secure with this design. So it may move out of position when the notebook is in use. However, the friction is enough to hold it mostly in place. It just needs some occasional pulling to get it back in place.

Makes and issues

• If you print it, please share your makes and experiences.

• Feedbacks and suggestions are welcome.

Like it? Summit your make!