Enamel Pin Picture Frame Display

This model lets you store and display enamel pins in a standard photo frame. It allows pins with rubber stoppers, but not clutch or locking backs. The frame pictured is for 5x7 inch photos.

Printing Notes

• I highly recommend measuring your frame before printing this model. The provided STLs assume that the frame overlaps the backing by a uniform ¼ inch on all sides. Your frames might be different so check before you print! If you need a size I haven't provided, see the instructions below on how to customize the model.
• The provided STLs require a 0.8mm wall width. This is achievable on a 0.4mm nozzle but YMMV.
• This is a vase mode print.
• I've used PLA for my prints, but other materials should work well too.
• The 3mf project file includes the settings I use to print these on my Bambulab P1S

Assembly Instructions

In addition to this printed model, you'll need the following:

• Photo frame
• Mounting tape or glue. I used this tape: https://gorillatough.com/product/tough-and-clear-mounting-tape/ but other styles or brands will work just as well I imagine.
• Something to shim the gap between the backing board and the lip of the frame (see below).

Steps

1. Remove the backing board and glass from the frame. Note how thick the glass is. Now put it somewhere safe for a future project, we don't need it.
2. We need to shim the gap that the glass usually fills between the backing board and the lip of the frame. A couple of layers of corrugated cardboard or foam insulation tape should work. I recommend painting it black (or another colour that matches your frame as it will be slightly visible from some angles in the final product. Stick or glue the shim around the edges of the backing board.
3. Re-insert the backing board into the frame. It should fit snugly thanks to the shim.
4. Test-fit the printed part. It should fit into the frame from the front.
5. Put glue or tape onto the back of the printed model. If using tape, I recommend laying it perpendicular to the fins so that every fin has some tape behind it. If you're using glue, spread it as evenly as you can.
6. Gently insert the printed part into the frame from the front. Apply pressure from the front and back at the same time as frames aren't especially sturdy if you just press from the front.
7. You're done! Attach the pins you want to display by pressing the rubber stoppers between the fins of the print.

Customizing

I've included the pin_holder.scad source file to aid in producing customized versions of this model. You'll need a development snapshot build of OpenSCAD as the most recent ‘stable’ version is from 2021. I use 2024.04.08 but the most recent development snapshot from here should be fine: https://openscad.org/downloads.html#snapshots

Changing the width and height variables does what you'd expect. If you want the fins to run in the other direction, check the horizontal box.

You'll also need the provided fin_profile.svg. Put it in the same directory as the .scad file. If you edit the SVG to change the profile of the fins you'll also need to grab the width and height of the file and enter them as the profile_size in OpenSCAD.