Parts Tray

I needed something to organize small loose parts, so I designed a segmented tray (with a lid) and printed it with a 3d printer.

Design and print files can be found here:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39041

The lid (black in my model) sits under the tray, but goes on top if you want to stack several trays.

Comments

[elabz]

I wonder if 3D-printing a form for a vacuum-formed parts organizer (basically, same as this tray but with air evacuation holes) would make more sense in terms of costs/time/effort/repeatability ? Then the trays (unlimited amount of) could be made of styrene sheets - the material they are very often made of anyhow? The form would need to be printed from a material that holds temperature well but I think it's doable.

[Madrigorne]

only if you have access to a vaccuum former. I can see what you mean though.

[anode505]

Pretty easy to make one. Just a frame for the sheet, the mold, and the vacuum box which from what I've read a shop vac works well. Toast up your sheets in the oven and go.

[GimmeADream]

We have a 3D printer but to make a small tray would be so expensive. It is easier to pick up a few at the dollar store. That is..., unless you were using the project to learn how to use your printer. If that is the case, than Good Job!!!

[anode505]

Nice. Like the color combo too. But the time to print one out kinda makes it prohibitive.

One saying that comes to mind with the 3d printers is :
"Give a kid a hammer and everything looks like a nail."

[MikeTheMaker]

It does take a while to print . . . but I just press the "build" key and come back later. For me, the print time isn't a big issue unless the printer is backed up with projects.

[ndpmcintosh]

Those are nice and they look sturdy and durable. Which leads me to ask the inevitable question, how much did they cost in materials?

[MikeTheMaker]

About $1.25 for the tray, $.75 for the lid.

[privatier]

For those who cannot afford a 3d printer, I recommend the storage containers from Harbor Freight, starting at $2.49.

[UOS]

Well I need to buy a 3D printer but they are so expensive :( Guess I have to speed up my desktop-CNC project 'cause I need drawers like these :) Good 'ible thanks!

[MikeTheMaker]

Thank you! This took about ten minutes to design--these machines allow one to move from a thought to a tangible object with great ease. I believe the cost of 3D printers and desktop CNC machines will come down quite a bit--hopefully soon :)