Transformers Micro-Cassette Collection Organizer

prusaprinters

<p>Micro-cassette and accessory holders inspired by the Soundwave and Blaster Transformers toyline.</p> <p>I needed some way to organize my collection of original Transformers micro-cassette robots. I made these micro-cassette holders inspired by the Soundwave and Blaster toys I had growing up. Besides the holders themselves, I also designed a cool latching box that holds four cassettes or the chrome accessories associated with each toy.</p> <h3>Print instructions</h3><p>After a bunch of prototypes, I think I got all the clearances worked out. I don't know which I like more: the box or the holders inside the box. All came out pretty great.</p> <p>The Box:</p> <p>The box is print in place without support, in two parts (lid and base). The base wraps around the lid and latches to itself with a twist. When laid out, the base just barely fits a Prusa Original MK3 printbed; I don't know about fitting it on a mini. I found that the clearances of PLA for the hindges was better than with PETG. PETG seemed to shrink and the joints got too loose, so this is mostly a PLA print. After printing, firmly press the spinning latch down with your thumb to break it free, it should rotate freely. I'm including two bases, one with spacing for the cassette holders and one that is open. The lid is the same and prints upside down.</p> <p>Chrome Holders and Nametags:</p> <p>I designed this box inside a box because I just couldn't stop designing stuff in this theme. Each little robot toy has a name and some accessories. The cache holds all the unique accessories on a peg-board style tray. The trays have magenets glued into them so that they mate. Why stop there? I then made little two-tone nameplates and lined the inside with craft foam to prevent scratching.</p> <p>Micro-Cassette Holder Base:</p> <p>This part prints without support. Use the .3mf file I'm including to get the enforcers just right. It works with both the Blaster and Soundwave Lids. Glue 2mm x 1mm magnets into the base and mate them with the lid to make a sweet "click" sound when you close the holder.</p> <p>Soundwave Micro-Cassette Holder Lid:</p> <p>This piece is a two-tone stop and replace the filament type print. It needs support to print. I'm including a .3mf file that has the stop point in Slicer already. The trim is very fine and would do better with a smaller nozzle but it's not worth the time changing and calibrating just for the last minute of the print. I glued the mating magnets. I cut and glued a piece of thin acrylic to create the window. I bought some knock-off Transformers stickers and a rub-sign to finish the look.</p> <p>Blaster Micro-Cassette Holder Lid:</p> <p>Same idea as the Soundwave themed lid, only Autobot style. The rub-sign is different of course, and the sticker is larger. This one needs only a little support, since you print it facedown (to get that smooth finish). Magnets and clear acrylic were used.</p>