modular cabinet storage system for small and medium sized parts

thingiverse

Update 08/2016: After completing the bookshelf racks, I created additional prints to fill a closet. For these bins, I decided that plain labels weren't necessary, so I designed a separate label holder that can be easily plugged into place. The new label holder is adjustable in width and length and can be paired with the original bin design if alternate label sizes are desired. Two new bins with holders have been uploaded, along with the label holder itself. I explored several rack designs on Thingiverse but found most to be compromised by printing limitations - weak walls and small bins - which wasted time, material, and build volume. My goal was to create a more robust design that could fit my needs while still being printable on medium-sized machines. The result is an extendable system with large cabinets (140mm x 150mm x 167mm) that can be printed with the back side facing up. A significant concern was the excessive filament usage required for these long print jobs, but I also wanted the design to match my furniture and personal style rather than resembling generic store-bought cabinets. The appearance of card boxes and bags on those bookshelves before printing the cabinets is now a distant memory. Bins: There are two sizes: normal and double height, with the cabinets adjusted accordingly. Cabinets: Three types exist: one holding 4 normal bins, another with one double bin and two normals, and a third holding 2 double bins. Cabinets can be connected horizontally using a connector and stacked with some fixing clamps. Dividers: Normal and double-sized dividers allow for smaller storage areas inside the bins. Diagonal dividers can be flipped to fit in the opposite angle. Connector: The connectors hold cabinets together horizontally, preventing them from moving when the bins are pulled out. If needed, they can be stretched to increase their width and strength. Spacer: Bin spacers provide end stops for the bins, designed to my taste. Their feet could be enlarged or reduced to adjust bin placement inside the cabinets. Clamps: Clamps fix stacked cabinets in place without completely immobilizing them. They work as bin spacers at this level, eliminating the need for additional spacers. Labels: I printed labels with copper imitating PLA and glued them onto the bins. The labels are thin and can be removed or replaced without damaging the bin. I chose not to make them pluggable for easier printing and because some users might opt out of labeling altogether or design their own plug-in labels. An empty text plate is included as an example. Print Settings: Printer: Raise3D N2+ Resolution: 300µ Infill: 10% Notes: Printed with locally manufactured ivory premium PLA at 205°C, and copper imitating PLA for the labels also at 205°C. Print cabinets facing their front side with the back on top; other items can be printed as oriented in the STLs.