Casey - SMT parts holder

Casey is a handy surface mount parts holder and dispenser for components on cut tape.

Features

• Created in OpenSCAD so that it can be parametrically modified. I've included 3mf files for cassettes that can accommodate tape widths up to 8mm (0603), 10mm (0805), and 13mm (TSSOP16).
• A small 3d-printed "spring" in the exit opening hold the tape in place and prevents them accidentally falling out.
• The bump on the top is a catch for the film on the tape. Thread it through there and it'll stay out of your way as you use your parts. The top of it has a small opening, allowing you to easily slide the film in.
• The open side has a small lip to prevent the parts from falling out during handling.
• You can optionally attach multiple cassettes to each other using magnets. There's matching interlocks on the bottom to keep everything aligned.
• There are slots on the bottom that you can use to mount a cassette to a fixed surface using two M3 bolts.
• Designed to use a minimal amount of filament, only takes about 1 hour to print.
• Optional, but delightfully cute cat-faced front cap design.

Recommended print settings

Included 3mf files already have recommended settings configured for PrusaSlicer, but if you want to start from scratch, here's the recommendations

• Rafts: No
• Supports:  No
• Layer size: 0.2mm
• Infill: 15%, Gyroid
• Filament: PLA (PETG also works, but isn't necessary)
• Nozzle: 0.4mm
• Top and bottom fill: Archimedean chords

Cutting the exit spring

The exit on the side will be partially covered by the built-in "spring". You'll want to cut it at the bottom - cutting it at the top will cause it to catch on parts with indented tapes, such as those used for ICs. You can trim it back a little if you'd like, but it's not necessary. If you have some extra-thick parts and the spring is too tight, you can trim it back to loosen it up.

Adding magnets to attach cassettes together

You can use magnets to have the cassettes attach together easily. You'll need:

• 4 5x2mm magnets for each cassette. Ferrite magnets are fine. example
• 2 8x2mm magnets for each cassette. Neodymium recommend. example
• Superglue (cyanoacrylate)

Glue the magnets into the holes on each side of the cassette. You'll want to make sure all of the magnets have the same polarity before gluing them down! This will make your life much easier- once you've got the magnets set into one cassette, you can use that cassette to match and align magnets for the next cassette.

Making custom sized cassettes

If you need an even bigger cassette than the three included, you'll need to open up casey.scad with OpenSCAD and change these variables as needed:

tape_size = 13;
package_name = "TSSOP16";

That's it!

Don't forget the cat-face cover!

If you'd like, you can print out cat.3mf and use some magnets to make a nice cover for the front of your stack of cassettes.