Nextruder Nozzle Box - Mint Tin Insert

UPDATE: Now with a cover for the lid!

Introducing the Nextruder nozzle holder that fits into an Altoids™ mint tin!

After looking at nozzle holders for Nextruder nozzles, I decided I wanted a minimalist option. This case will hold up to five nextruder nozzles plus the V6 adapter as well. In addition, it includes an identification chart that friction fits into the lid. The dots next to the nozzle size correspond to the number of dots on the hexagonal part of the Nextruder nozzles.

To remove a nozzle simply press down on the brass tip - the other end of the nozzle will elevate, allowing you to pick it up with your other hand.

Which Parts Do I need, and How Do I Print Them?

If you have a MMU, print all the parts from the “MMU” folder. Select appropriate colors on the lid insert and bottom insert. I suggest using color painting in PrusaSlicer to get a contrasting top layer on the bottom insert.

• For the lid insert, set the lid object to your first color, and all other objects to your second color.
• For the bottom insert, set the “Bottom Insert” object to your first color, and use Multimaterial painting with Smart Fill option selected to paint the top surface to your second color.
• For the plug and locking ring, print them in your second color.
• For the Lid Cover, print the lid in your first color, and all other objects in your second color.

If you do not have a MMU, print all the parts from the “Color By Layer” folder. 

• For the lid insert, start the print with your first color, add a color change to your second color at 1mm and, and change back to your first color again at 1.8mm
• For the bottom insert, start the print with your first color and add a color change to your second color at 6.6mm and 7.2mm
• For the plug and locking ring, print them both with your second color. No color changes are required.
• For the Lid Cover, star the print with your first color, and add color changes at 0.8mm and 1.2mm. Switch to your second color at 0.8mm, and back to your first color at 1.2mm

I recommend printing in PLA or PETG, but any filament of your choice will work. Print at 0.2mm layer height, and use at least 15% infill for structural integrity. Using 30% or more infill will give a nice weight to the tin when fully assembled, but significantly increases the print time. No supports are needed for this print.

Non-Printable Parts

1. Altoids™ brand mint tin. The tin is obviously not printable. Enjoy the mints first, use the tin when empty! ;)

Assembly

1. Insert the locking ring into the bottom of the mint tin with the gap towards the hinge. Ensure the locking ring is entirely underneath the lip all the way around. The ends will attempt to spring out, this is expected.
2. Insert the plug into the bottom of the mint tin. Carefully ensure that the locking ring is under the lip all the way around first! Use the chamfer on the plug to guide it in - significant force will be required to insert the plug. This is necessary so that there is no slip in the part after it is inserted. Push hard!
3. Insert the Bottom Insert into the bottom of the mint tin. Use the chamfer on the plug to guide it in. Again, significant force will be required to insert the plug
4. Insert the Top Insert into the top of the mint tin. This should push in fairly easily. If the fit is too loose, apply a drop of CA glue to the back of the insert, and push it into the lid - holding it in place for up to 30 seconds while the glue sets.
5. Add the Lid Cover over the top of the mint tin. This should push on fairly easily. If the fit is too loose, add a drop of CA glue to the inside of the mint tin cover, and push it onto the lid - holding it in place for up to 30 seconds while the glue sets.

Printable Parts Description

Locking Ring

An Altoids™ tin has a rolled lip at the top, and due to this any 3D printed insert will move around once it clears the lip. The locking ring is inserted first, and ensures that the plug and bottom insert do not have any room to move around after they are installed.

Plug

I separated the plug from the bottom insert because of warping issues. This piece is inserted second after the locking ring. It is intentionally a very tight fit. The chamfer on the bottom helps to guide the piece in.

Bottom Insert

The bottom insert is installed after the plug, and has the spaces to put the nozzles and adapter. This is intentionally a very tight fit to ensure it stays in. The chamfer on the bottom helps to guide the piece in.

Lid Insert

The lid insert is friction fit into the lid. It has an identification chart for the nozzles, but also doubles in function to keep nozzles from moving out of their positions. Solid dots indicate pips on the nozzle. Dual color/filled dots indicate an empty facet.

Lid Cover

The lid cover is friction fit onto the lid. It adds text and a graphic to indicate the content of the box.