Filament Sample Modern Gridfinity Case (147 swatches)

Introduction

I love the slide film inspired filament swatches by George: 35mm Slide Filament Samples. They are quick to print and they also allow you to see how opaque or translucent each filament is. It's a truly brilliant idea. As my collection of these filament swatches grew I needed a bigger case to hold them. I used the rugged box that's included with the filament samples but I wanted something nicer that allows me to see the swatches inside. Since I also fell in love with the Modern Gridfinity Cases by Matthew I decided to combine the two. I have not altered the filament sample swatches but only used them for reference so I can model the fitting gridfinity bins. The main remix involves the actual case. Each bin holds 49 swatches, so this case can hold up to 147 samples.

Talking with Matthew via DMs I found out that he has already developed a new, 3rd revision of his case. This new revision can be accessed via the onshape project link he provides by selecting the "Version and History" button on the top left (you need to be logged in), then pick "Dev". Matthew plans to update his own project on here to communicate the new additions/changes once he finds the time. But for the time being I have his OK to share parts of the new revision here as part of this set. 

The New Case Revision and my Remix

Matthew's new case revision has a few quality of life improvements (incl. a window snap lock retainer, easier to open/close latches) and most notably it features a new label design. This label can be easily removed and it can have text on both sides so you can easily turn it over if needed.

First of all I exported the case with a 8 unit height so that the filament samples fit inside the appropriate bins. The window snap lock was exported for a 1mm thick acrylic window. I then modified the cover and the window snap lock so that there's less struts/dividers allowing to have a better look inside. I still left some struts in between for structural rigidity. 

I modified the short hinge links so that you have an option that keeps the lid at roughly a 120° angle when opened. You can choose whether you want the original hinges (lid lays flat when opened) or this new 120° style. I found that I never needed the adhesion helpers that the original links & latches come with... so it just meant unnecessary removal & clean up. So I included these with and without the helpers. 

Notes & Print Tips

Case: No important tips.

Cover: I recommend to use the included .3mf of the cover because here I set up the support modifiers. You can either print supports as usual or if your printer allows it print them like me with zero clearance (eg. PETG supports + PLA case or vice versa).

Custom Window Snap Lock: This part was exported for 1mm thick acrylic sheets and then modified. If have an acrylic window of a different thickness you will need to export the right window retainer for your preferred thickness via Matthew's onshape project (link is in his description).

Latches & Links: Pick either the original or my 120° angle hinge link (lid stays open at ~120°) version. I recommend to pick the version without the adhesion helpers first and see how the print goes... if it goes well you won't have to cut away all the helpers afterwards. Use a filament strand as the hinge and insert it through the appropriate holes. 

Label: I included a blank label and also a .3mf file that has the same "Filament Samples" text as you see in my photos... just in case you want the label to look like mine. Simply assign your preferred color/tool to the label text. 

Label Lock: Print two of these. I recommend to print these in PETG or other less brittle filament.
You can flex and insert the label locks into the appropriate slots (inner side of the case).

Bin for Samples Swatches: Print 3 of these. Each bin holds up to 49 swatches. You don't need a lot of perimeters or infill % here... it will just result in even more print time. I didn't need any brim for the print of these (printed in PLA). But if you plan to print it with a filament that tends to warp and you don't have an enclosed machine, consider adding a print or adhesion helper discs to the corners.

Window Size Reference: This file is just for reference so you know what size the acrylic window needs to be cut to. You will need a 1mm thick acrylic sheet for the window.

STEP files: I included the remixed parts as .stp files in this folder. You will also find a .stp file for the swatch sample bin here.

Enjoy. And please share a make if you print one of these.