Stackable Collapsible Crate

Introduction

This project consists of 3 differently sized collapsible crates - all use the same wall thickness and stack perfectly on top of each other - 2x "Half" fits on top of 1x "Full", 2x "Quarter" fit on top of 1x "Half", similarly to how DIN A paper can be subdivided into increasingly smaller papers of the same aspect ratio.

These are designed for a compromise of smooth, clean exterior look and printing speed. Only the bottom part requires any supports to accomodate for the stacking. The long sides use print-in-place hinges, while the joints where the side panels meet top/bottom frames use regular 1.75mm filament as hinge pins. I recommend using the same color the top/bottom frames are printed in as they will be visible from the outside on the finished crate.

Dimensions

Approximate sizes of the finished crates are as follows:

• Full: 240 x 170 x 124 mm (l x b x h)

• Half: 170 x 120 x 89 mm (l x b x h)

• Quarter: 120 x 85 x 64 mm (l x b x h)

How to print

One crate needs 1x Bottom, 1x Top, 2x Side_S (short side, only hinged to the top) and 2x Side_L (the long side that actually consists of 2 separate parts with print-in-place hinges.

The sides should be printed with 0 top/bottom layers and a visually pleasing infill (I recommend honeycomb) to result in a grid panel and severely cut print times.

Print Settings

These are my recommended settings (you can also import them via CollapsibleCrate Settings Top-Bottom.3mf and CollapsibleCrate Settings Sides.3mf so you don't have to manually recreate them. Watch out, as these include my custom print speed settings which may not work for other printers...

Print Settings Top/Bottom (might need tweaking depending on your machine and materials):

• Layers and perimeters:

  • Quality: Extra perimeters if needed, Detect bridging perimeters

  • Advanced: Fill gaps

• Support material:

  • Generate support material

  • Auto generated supports

  • Top contact Z distance: 0.12mm (for 0.25mm layer height, always use ~ 1/2 layer height)

  • Support on build plate only

• Speed:

  • Bridges: 25mm/s

  • Enable dynamic overhang speeds

• Advanced: 

  • Bridge flow ratio: 0.85

Print Settings Sides (might need tweaking depending on your machine and materials):

• Layers and perimeters:

  • Perimeters: 3

  • Solid layers: Top 0 / Bottom 0

  • Extra perimeters if needed

  • Extra perimeters on overhangs

  • Detect bridging perimeters

  • Fill gaps

• Infill:

  • Fill density: 10%

  • Fill pattern: Honeycomb

• Speed:

  • Enable dynamic overhangs speed

Note

As of today (23.08.2026) I have only printed the Quarter version of the latest iteration that added snapping points to ensure the crates reliably stay open. I have printed a half sized version of the previous design, but the only difference is a lip in the bottom and a slot on the short side parts so I am positive it will not negatively affect the crate. Once my filament order arrives I will complete a half sized print.

Update (30.08.2026): I printed a half sized version of the latest design iteration and updated the model pictures accordingly.

I have not printed a full sized version yet, and am not sure if I will, as IMO Half + Quarter are perfect desk organizers.