Magnetic Hide-A-Key

A simple “Hide-A-Key” style key box with embedded magnets for hiding a key. The box has magnets for both attaching it to a hidden area (such as inside a metal cabinet or on the inside/underside of the frame of a trailer, etc.) and for keeping the box lid closed.

The box is printed utilizing three separate print pauses in order to insert the magnets into the print, which are then printed over and embedded — no glue required!

A .step file is provided for those of you who would like to customize the box to fit the magnets you already have on hand. Enjoy!

Required Hardware:

• 1x — 60x10x3mm bar magnet.
• 2x — 6.4x6.4x2.5mm block magnet.

Print Recommendations:

• 0.4mm or 0.6mm nozzle.
• 0.2mm layer height.
• Check infill bridging angle and adjust as necessary to get the shortest brides over the large bar magnet pocket.
• Add print pauses at the correct layer heights for magnet insertion (which will be the layers showing the infill covering the magnet pocket — see image below).

Tips:

When inserting the lid closure magnet into the box (at the last print pause), be sure to orient the magnet correctly, or the lid will not stay closed! The easiest way to do this is to stick the magnet to the one that is already embedded in the lid on the inside of the lid tab (see photo below). Then, without changing the magnet's orientation, place it into the open magnet pocket in the wall of the box and resume the print.

For best results, be sure to have a nozzle brush on hand and use it to quickly wipe away any oozed filament from the nozzle tip as the print is resumed after each print pause. Remember: do not touch the hot nozzle with your bare hand! Happy printing!