Aperture Iris Box

myminifactory

This is an Iris Box featuring a convenient twist collar and a decorative lid. The box stands at 80mm tall, measures 80mm in diameter, and opens by twisting the collar counterclockwise. Be on the lookout for new themed decorative tops that I will be creating in the future, including this Valentine's design. I also have many other Iris boxes available in my profile page. Besides the printed parts, assembly requires M2x6 countersunk/flathead screws (like these) totaling 24 pieces. You can use larger or smaller screws by scaling the model appropriately, such as M3x8 screws at 150% part scale. Note that buying in bulk from a specialist supplier is significantly cheaper per screw. There are two versions of the container: the standard one used on the black and gold example, and the shortened version which brings the overall height down to 48mm. The pattern on the green container was created using the velocity painting technique on the standard container, and there are numerous excellent guides online that can help you achieve this. There are two types of doors: the simple 'door' is flat and used on the black/gold and black/blue examples, while the decorative door 'door-dec' creates a compass-like embellishment on top of the container, visible on the green/gold example. Part testing If you can print my earlier design 'Aperture Box,' you will be able to make this one as well. Before printing all the parts, ensure that the screw joints and sliding dovetail joints work correctly with your print settings. Print two 'Door' parts (using some support on the dovetails) and test the dovetail sliding. They should slide mostly under their own weight for the design to function effectively. Try to avoid 'elephant's foot' on the base of the doors, as this can reduce tolerances and cause excess friction. If they are too tight, try reducing the layer height or using outer contour XY compensation in your slicer (Ideamaker is a free slicer that does this). Lower friction materials are also ideal; I used PLA, which works great. Also, check that your screws fit tightly in the holes on the base of the door parts. You may need to scale the parts or use hole XY compensation (Ideamaker also does this) to get a good fit. Additionally, print off one of the links and check that the screws turn freely in the holes and the head is flush with the part surface. Assembly Instructions Also see pictures for visual instructions. To make the box, you will need to print: 1x 'Container' or 'Short Container', 1x 'Collar', 8x 'Link 1', 4x 'Link 2', and 8x 'Door' or 'Door dec'. Place the container on a flat surface. Attach the collar to it by screwing in the narrower ends of the four small links (Link 2) into the holes in the container. Ensure they are the correct way around, as this is slightly important. Screw the non-pointed ends of the larger links (Link 1) into the collar. The collar should now be securely attached to the box but also able to twist freely. Roughly assemble the doors in the open position upside down and place the container and collar assembly on top of them. Now screw the other end of the small links into the inside holes on the doors. Finally, screw the larger links into the holes on the outside edge of the box doors. You should now have a working Aperture Iris box! The mechanism may be a little stiff at first but should loosen up over time. A bit of silicone lubricant can also be used on the dovetail joints to make it work more smoothly. If you have any questions or problems with this design, I will be happy to help.