Dodeca-box V2

myminifactory

This is a third version of my 12 leaf, double layer Iris box 'Dodeca-box'. The components are essentially identical to those of the first two versions, except it utilizes screws instead of printed pins and holes, making printing and assembly much easier. To open the box, simply push the handle sections in a clockwise direction. I also have many more Iris box designs which you can find on my profile page including an improved version of this design 'Dodeca-Iris Box'. The unscaled box measures 80mm overall in diameter, has a 64mm wide container opening and is 83mm tall. The part files are designed for M2x6 countersunk/flathead screws such as these (as with all my other designs); 48 screws are required in total for the box. The parts can be scaled to use larger or smaller screws e.g. M3x8 screws at 150% scale. Note: it's a lot cheaper to buy the screws in bulk from a specialist supplier. The 'Top Door' part is a plain iris leaf for the top of the box while 'Top Door Handle' is a thicker iris leaf with a curved extension for opening the box. I recommend you print at least two of 'Top Door Handle' (maximum of six as in the printed examples) and arrange them on opposite sides of the box to allow ease of opening. There is also a shortened version of the container 'Short Container' which reduces the height of the container from about 83mm to 43mm. Some supports are required for the 'Top Door Handle' part. Supports can be avoided if you print this part upside down but the base layer would become the top surface of the handle part, which may make it appear less neat. Part Testing Before printing off all the parts you should check that the screw joints work correctly with your print settings. Print one 'top door' and one 'bottom door' parts. Check that your screws fit tightly in the holes in 'door top' but are free to rotate in the 'door base' holes and the head is flush with the bottom surface. You may need to use hole XY compensation (Ideamaker is a free slicer which does this) to get a good fit. Printing and Assembly For the box you will need 12x 'Top' parts (any mix of 'Top' parts can be used but I recommend they are positioned in pairs across the box), 12x 'Bottom door', six 'Link' and one 'Container'. To assemble the box, begin by screwing the non-pointed end of the links to the container. Next take the door top (and top handle) and door bottom parts and begin assembling them into the iris mechanism. Match the outer holes on the top parts to the outer holes on the base parts. Also match the middle holes and then the holes on the points of the top and bottom doors to assemble the iris mechanism. Continue assembling the doors, ideally in the closed position and keeping the screws straight to keep the box top as neat as possible. Be sure not to overtighten the screws, otherwise opening the box will be difficult. Once assembled, the iris mechanism should be free to open and close in your hands. Next open the iris fully and place it upside down on a flat surface then take the container assembly and place it upside down on top of the iris door mechanism. Finally screw the other ends of the links to the final holes in the base of the iris. The 'Dodeca-Box' should now be fully functional. Let me know if you have any questions or problems with the design.