DeskDock -- A simple Desktop Organizer

DeskDock -- A Simple Desktop Organizer

DeskDock is a small desktop organizer that i made to keep some of the random stuff on my desk in one place. It has four compartments at the top, a larger storage area underneath, and some extra space at the back for other things.

Overview

DeskDock is basically just a compact desktop organizer with a few different sections for different things.

The four upper compartments can be used for pens, pencils, markers, USB drives, or whatever else fits in them. The lower section is a larger open storage area for things like cables, earbuds, stationery, or just random stuff that otherwise ends up sitting on my desk.

There's also an open area towards the back/top which can be used for a phone, tabs, or some extra storage.

The whole main organizer is one connected piece, so there's no assembly needed after printing.

Why I Built It

I wanted to make something that i could actually use on my desk instead of just making another basic CAD shape for practice.

This was also my first proper CAD project for a 3D printable object, so i wanted something that was simple enough for me to actually finish but still had enough different parts to teach me something.

I started with the basic idea of a desktop organizer and changed the layout a few times while making it. I ended up going with four upper compartments and a larger lower section because it seemed more useful for the kind of stuff i would actually put in it.

I also wanted to keep the main organizer as one piece instead of making a bunch of separate parts that have to be assembled.

I made the whole thing in Onshape while learning how to use it, so most of this project was honestly just figuring things out as i went.

I dont have a 3D printer yet, so i havent been able to physically test print this myself. I've tried to keep the design simple and printable, but actual print feedback would definitely help.

Features

Four Compartments

The top of the organizer has four separate compartments for smaller things.

I originally had fewer larger sections, but i ended up splitting them into four because i thought having smaller spaces would make it easier to organize different things.

These can be used for:

- pens

- pencils

- markers

- USB drives

- other small desk stuff

Lower Storage

The lower section is a larger open area for things that dont really fit in the smaller compartments.

I'd probably use it for stuff like:

- earbuds

- cables

- erasers

- sticky notes

- small electronics

- basically anything that ends up lying around on my desk

Extra Space

There's also an open section towards the back/top which can be used for a phone, tabs, or just more storage.

One Piece

The main organizer is one connected part.

There arent any separate pieces needed for the main body, so there's nothing to assemble once it has been printed.

How It Works

There's not really anything complicated going on here.

The four smaller sections are mainly for things that you want to keep upright, while the lower section is for larger or loose items.

The extra space at the back can also be used for things like a phone or other small objects.

The main idea was just to have a few different types of storage in one object instead of needing a bunch of separate holders.

How to Print

The main DeskDock model is provided as one printable piece.

Recommended Orientation

The organizer should be printed with the large flat base on the print bed.

This should give it a stable starting surface and lets the rest of the organizer build upwards.

Starting Settings

These are just the settings i'd start with. I havent tested them myself yet since i dont have a printer.

- layer height: 0.2 mm

- walls/perimeters: 3

- infill: around 15-20%

- material: PLA

- supports: hopefully none, but check your slicer first

Since i havent actually printed this yet, the exact settings will probably depend on the printer and filament being used.

Build Instructions

1. Download the STL file from the files section.

2. Import it into your slicer.

3. Place it with the flat base on the print bed.

4. Check the preview for any problems before starting the print.

5. Slice it and print it.

6. Once the print is finished and cooled, remove it from the bed and it should be ready to use.

The main organizer doesnt need any additional parts or assembly.

Assembly

There is no assembly required for the main DeskDock.

The whole organizer is designed as one connected piece, so after printing it should just be ready to use.

I do want to make some small drawers for the lower section in a future version, but those would be separate parts and arent included in this version.

Design Process

I made DeskDock in Onshape.

I started with a simple rectangular base and then built the organizer up from that using sketches, dimensions, extrusions, cuts, and rounded edges.

The first version was much simpler, and i changed the compartment layout while working on it. I eventually split the upper section into four compartments and rounded more of the edges because i thought it looked better.

One of the main things i was trying to learn with this project was how to actually think about making something for 3D printing instead of just making a shape that looks good in CAD.

What I Learned

This project was basically my introduction to Onshape and making actual 3D-printable parts.

I learned, or am still learning, things like:

- sketches and dimensions

- extrusions

- cutouts

- making multiple sections into one part

- fillets and rounded edges

- thinking about print orientation

- designing around the limitations of 3D printing

I'm definitely still pretty new to CAD, especially when it comes to more complicated stuff like moving parts, tolerances, and assemblies, but that was kind of the point of starting with something simple.

I wanted to actually make something instead of waiting until i knew everything first.

Future Improvements

There are a few things i'd like to add in future versions.

Some ideas are:

- small drawers for the lower section

- a dedicated phone charging slot

- more customizable compartment sizes

- extra storage sections

- a more interesting outside pattern

- changes based on actual print testing

The main thing i'd like to try next is making some small drawers that fit into the lower section.

That would also give me a chance to learn more about tolerances and how separate parts are supposed to fit together.

Current Status

The CAD model is finished and the main STL is uploaded.

The project hasnt been physically printed yet because i dont have a 3D printer, so the next step for me is getting some real print feedback and seeing what needs to be changed.

For now, this is basically my first proper 3D printable CAD project, and i'll probably end up making a V2 once i learn more.

Feedback

I'm still pretty new to CAD, so any feedback on the model, printability, or things i could change would be really useful.

Especially if you print it and something doesnt work properly, let me know so i can fix it in a future version.