Collapsible Basket (optimized)

thingiverse

Collapsible Basket Optimized for 3D Printing This basket prints in place as one part, requiring no supports. It prints flat but folds neatly into a compact basket shape. This design is a remix of the first collapsing basket I created. The original version used a wood cutting trick where a spiral cut on an angle allowed the material to form the basket's shape. The angled cut interlocked the walls in one direction, creating a sturdy structure. I was inspired by this technique but chose to utilize my 3D printer and plastic materials instead. This new design offers additional features that I couldn't include in the original version. Both designs use different methods to form the basket, making them unique and interesting. Original Collapsible Basket: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2886975 The original design used an angled spiral cut to create the basket's shape. In contrast, this new version employs interlocking individual cups. This improvement prevents the basket from becoming loose and falling apart when tipped upside down. I incorporated a cam into the kickstand, allowing it to tighten as it rotates and making the basket more stable when standing upright. To keep the basket securely in place, I added a catch and a detent to the kickstand. These features ensure that they stay aligned when folded flat. To minimize material usage, I designed this version with minimal extra plastic. It maintains the same width and height as the original but uses only a quarter of the plastic. Please note that I designed the basket in inches. You will need to scale up the file 2540% in your slicer to convert it to metric units. Here is my Amazon Affiliate Link to the Hatchbox Gold PLA Filament I used for printing: https://amzn.to/2DikMq3 Watch how easily a freshly printed basket can be removed from the printer and unfolded. My assistant demonstrates this process in the following video: https://youtu.be/7OAqEXW8H-k