Parametric Flex-Hinge Box With Latch for OpenSCAD

thingiverse

Parametric Flex-Hinge Box for OpenScad This innovative design brings to life a latched box that can be printed as a single item without any supports, utilizing the full potential of 3D printing technology. The box is expertly crafted with parametric precision, allowing users to generate an entire family of similar boxes by simply adjusting a few key dimensions located at the top of the .scad file. The generating file is a powerful OpenScad command script that has been meticulously designed and tested for optimal results. I have successfully printed multiple boxes simultaneously using this design, taking full advantage of its unique capabilities. By eliminating conventional hinges, the box boasts a sleeker appearance and improved functionality. When closed, the flexible hinges lie discreetly against the back of the box, providing a clean and streamlined presentation that surpasses traditional hinged designs. The two thin hinges not only offer superior flexibility but also ensure better alignment of the box and top, while minimizing plastic usage compared to thicker hinges. Unlike many printable boxes that feature rounded edges, this design proudly showcases a square box with enhanced capacity and effortless packing capabilities into larger containers. While occasionally it may be necessary to file or cut the box opening to achieve seamless latch functionality, most printers can handle this task without issues. For added precision, users can easily manipulate dimensions within OpenScad if required. The layout of the box, hinges, top, and latch in a single line imposes a critical constraint: boxes exceeding approximately 80mm in the y-direction cannot be printed on standard beds measuring 200mm in width. Conversely, the x-dimension can reach the full extent of the bed's capacity. Conversely, smaller boxes as tiny as 10x10x10mm have been successfully printed using this design. Both PETG and PLA materials have proven suitable for printing these boxes, typically utilizing a layer height of 0.2mm for optimal results.