Tip Inserts connectors for Rainin/Mettler Toledo tip boxes

Upcycling Rainin/Mettler Toledo 20 µL Tip-Box Inserts

Connector files for modular storage and organisation

Project overview

These connectors are designed to help repurpose used red Rainin/Mettler Toledo tip-box inserts for 20 µL pipette tips. When tip boxes are restocked with replacement inserts, the empty inserts may otherwise be discarded. This project provides a way to join those empty inserts and reuse them as modular storage, However the options are somewhat endless as to what you can come up with to use these for.

Just to highlight that the 3D-printed components are the connectors to be used on and are only compatible with red Rainin/Mettler Toledo tip-box inserts for 20 µL pipette tips, You will have to source the inserts yourself.

What you can make

The connectors can be combined with the inserts to create storage containers, larger flat surfaces and multi-level organisers. The final arrangement is flexible and depends on the user's needs.

An example is a small storage containers present on your desk for holding miscellaneous stuff.

The second example is storage/display of miniatures: either organising miniatures to be painted in batches or displaying them on a desk. It is possible to increase the number of layers to store more miniatures. 

Layered shelf construct for storage/display 

1. Connector guide

The connector names below describe their intended role in joining the inserts. Use the images to show both the part itself and how it sits against the insert.

1. 1. Inside corner connector

Use this connector when constructing Using connectors inside a construct . In the intended arrangement, the connector's connect to the inserts by being placed into the flat side of the adjoining insert(s). This configuration can help create a uniformly flat surface On the inside of any construction from the inserts.

 Typically when using these types of connectors to maintain a strong structure, ideally between 2 and 4 connectors should be used along each edge. 

Example image of inside corner connector (left) and cross-section of connector in use (right) Make note of the fact that the protrusions from the insert are pointing in the same direction as the connectors are pointing. 

1. 2. Outside corner connector

Use this connector when constructing an outside corner. This arrangement allows the cylindrical protrusions on the inserts to face inwards. In some configurations, inserts may fit between these protrusions without an additional connector, although the fit can be loose, And may vary between inserts .

When you are connecting the second insert to the second connector of this part, there may be a slight amount of bending. However the tolerances should be fine enough to not be concerned about damaging the part.

Because of the way that this connector type joins the inserts, every edge only requires two connectors per edge, typically at the extreme ends of that edge. If The construct is intended to contain heavier items or this connection will be part of a layered shelf section. Consider adding more connectors per edge. 

There are ways to connect the inserts in a way that is in between how the connectors from Section 1 and the connectors from Section 2 Work using a connector nicknamed "odd bit." but that will be explained in Section 4. 

3. Bridge connector

Use Bridge connectors to join inserts along a straight edge. They can be used to create larger connected surfaces that may serve as the base or a level in a larger storage build.

The number of this type of Bridge  needed for connecting inserts is typically two per edge. If strength is a concern consider adding double the amount of connectors per edge. 

1. 4. “Odd Bit” connector

The “Odd Bit” connector combines features of the inside and outside corner connectors. It is intended for situations where two inserts need to be joined but do not have a standard mating side.

The odd bit connector is made up of components from both the inside and outside corner connectors, while the The outside connector section is Mating is normal. The inside connector section is behaving opposite to how it normally is, with the direction of the connector going the opposite direction to the direction of the protrusion coming from the insert. This type of connector is ideally used in areas where using either one of the other types of connectors is not suitable.

And specifically is useful for reinforcing inserts that have been slotted in between the protrusions From constructions that have the protrusions from the inserts facing internally 

Printing information

For best layer strength, print each connector with one face directly on the build plate. Normally any side that is continuously flat 

Default settings should be fine for print.

The connector sections Do not have many walls so there is a possibility of breakage occurring at that location or loss of snug fit when connecting. But the ones I have been using have been printed in basic PLA and have gone through several installation and removal cycles.

Some connectors will have rather snug fits and be hard to remove by hand. Therefore it may require the use of a small Allen key to push the connectors out of the inserts. 

Compatibility and intended use

These connectors are designed specifically for the red Rainin/Mettler Toledo tip-box inserts used with 20-10 µL pipette tips. Compatibility with other inserts is not guaranteed  in this guide.

Example of insert 

Assembly notes

Choose the connector type according to the shape you want to build and the edges of the inserts you are joining. The examples above show possible arrangements; users can adapt the layout to suit their own storage needs.

An example for a design will be the following. It'll be an example of a small box using the outside connector and one using inside connectors. 

Outside box - Will require five inserts And 16 outside corners

First step is to place the first insert that will be the bottom of the box down with the protrusions pointing upwards. 

Step 2: Add 8 outside connectors, Placing one at one position in from each side of a corner protrusion, Totaling 8 

Step 3: Place an insert at the edge of the bottom insert with it standing vertically and connect it to the relevant connectors on that edge. 

When carrying out step 3 you need to position the rim section of the insert in at the corner section and then bend backwards towards the connector while pressing the connector into the nearest hole. 

The connectors have some amount of flexibility. Don't be concerned with breaking it.

Repeat this process for the remaining two sides of the box. 

Step 4: Add two connectors to the new corner edge formed between the walls of the box, with the bottom one being one position above the corner hole and the top one being one position down from the shorter wall of the box Repeat this for both sides. 

Step 5: Add the final wall to the box and repeat the steps from Steps 3 and 4, respectively. You have now constructed a small box. 

Inside box - Will require five inserts And 16 Inside corners

Step 1: Similar to how you would start the outside box, the key difference here being the protrusions are facing downwards, providing a smooth surface for the bottom of the box. 

Step 2: Similar to the outside box you will place eight inside corner connectors in the position, either side of the corner hole, for each corner. 

Step 3: Place an insert at the edge of the bottom insert with it standing vertically with The protrusions pointing outwards, away from the base of the box and connect it to the relevant connectors on that edge. 

When carrying out step 3 you may observe the inserts not being at exactly at 90 degree angle. Given how tightly the connectors hold on to the inserts, this is normal. 

The connectors have some amount of flexibility. Don't be concerned with breaking it.

Repeat this process for the remaining two sides of the box.

Step 4: Add two connectors to the new corner edge formed between the walls on the inside of the box, with the bottom one being one position above the corner hole and the top one being one position down from the shorter wall of the box Repeat this for both sides.

Step 5: Add the final wall to the box and repeat the steps from Steps 3 and 4, respectively. 

You have now constructed a small box. 

Files included

The project includes the connector models described in this guide. The list is:

• inside corner connector

• outside corner connector

• bridge connector

• “odd bit” connector

These connectors offer a way to give removed tip-box inserts a second use as modular storage. The examples shown are starting points; you can experiment with layouts that suit your own needs.

My own uses have been rather basic and I would be happy to see what other people find uses for these inserts.