Box Drawer Frame - 3D Printing File

Turn your 3D printer filament boxes into a useful storage solution!

Compatible with 8 3/4" x 8" x 2 7/8" filament boxes (standard Polymaker box size) with the lids removed. Have a different size box? Just let me know and I can easily adjust the dimensions and supply a custom frame design.

---Expandable---
Print multiple frame parts and stack them together to expand your storage as needed. The tab and slot connection provides a stable fit.

Note: Design requires a minimum print bed size of 250mm x 210mm. I specifically designed this to take advantage of the full build plate area of the Prusa MK4.

---Full Information & Instructions---
Box Drawer Frame - 3D Printing Model - 3D Printing Instructions

Hello!

Here is all of the information you need to know in order to get a successful print. If you are still not having success after following the instructions or you need a modification to the model, you can email me at support@packard3D.com.

General Design Information:

This model has been designed to be stackable. There are tabs and slots that allow the frame parts to link together. I have supplied multiple variants of the models with slightly different fits. Due to slight variations between 3D printers, filament, etc., you may need to do some testing to get the correct fit.

This is designed to use standard Polymaker filament boxes with the lid cut off (approx. 8 3/4" x 8" x 2 7/8"). Have a different size box? Just provide the overall dimensions of your box and I can adjust the model to fit.

General Printing Information:

3D Printer Type: FDM/FFF
Minimum print bed size: 250mm x 210mm (exact size of Prusa MK4 plate)
Layer height: 0.3mm
Infill: 15%
Supports: none
Material: PLA (what I used, but feel free to experiment)

Make sure the print bed is cleaned with IPA before printing to ensure best print adhesion. Please check your 3D printer manufacturer recommendations before using any chemicals to clean your 3D printer.

Fit Testing:

The folder “Fit Testing” contains sample parts with the tabs and slots to test the fit results on your 3D printer setup. I recommend first printing “Fit Testing.3mf” and testing which fit is best. Note that the dimension that changes between fits is the size of the slot or hole in the bottom of the parts. The top tab dimensions are the same between fit sizes. The higher the fit number, the more interference between slot and tab. If you are not satisfied with any of the provided fits, let me know and I can provide additional fits to test.

Here are the results from my testing using a Prusa MK4 and Protopasta filament:

Fit 0 (Line-to-line): Clearance - no connection - use for temporary stacking.
Fit 2 (.002” interference on both sides): Interference “level 1” – slight connection – parts push together by hand and can be pulled apart.
Fit 3 (.003” interference on both sides): Interference “level 2” – firm connection – lightly tap parts together with a mallet (warning, do not hit with mallet too hard as tabs can shear) – connection is semi-permanent.

Slicer Configurations:

All models are “.3mf” files which are very similar to “.stl” files with some added capabilities for 3D printing. I have included both unconfigured models (see the “Unconfigured” folders) and models that include configuration settings for PrusaSlicer (see the “PrusaSlicer Configuration” folders). For reference, the PrusaSlicer configured models include extra settings such as elements to enhance bed adhesion, variable infill volumes and layers, and painted-on seams. I highly recommend using PrusaSlicer with the PrusaSlicer Configuration files to get the best results. If you need additional help with slicer setting, please send me a message.

Lid Types:

There are two cap types included: Open ("vX.X.X_Cap_Fit X_Open.3mf") and Closed ("vX.X.X_Cap_Fit X_Closed")

Frame Strength:

I designed this frame to be moderately strong while using minimal material. Note that the tabs are a weak point and can shear if hit too hard.

If you need any help, you can email me at support@packard3d.com

I hope you find this item to be as useful as I do!

Happy printing,

Austin

You can use this file to create your own physical prints for personal use, but you cannot resell, share, or distribute the file or the prints without my permission. © 2023 Packard 3D Designs LLC. All rights reserved.