Regarding the silica gel itself, if you have shopped for the stuff, you will soon find there are several options. Some are just plain clear/white and others have indicator colors added. The indicators look cool and serve a function, however there are some downsides. The blue indicators use cobalt chloride and are not food safe, but I've read it's a bit cheaper. I'm no chemist, but I would not use the blue silica gel beads due to the cobalt chloride colorant. The other choice for an indicator is orange (Methyl violet) which is also not food safe (for direct contact at least), but should be safer than the blue stuff. I think the best balance for use with my filament spools is the mixed orange and clear silica gels, since they contain only 5-10% orange indicator beads and the rest is just the clear stuff with no additives. If I had pets that got into stuff I'd go with the clear beads and skip the indicators, since using a humidity sensor can tell me when it's time to change or recharge it. I picked up some of this mixed orange and clear silica gel, which was a buck cheaper than Amazon, and includes free shipping. I wish they sold smaller sizes since I don't know if I will be able to use up a gallon of the stuff, but it's still cheaper to buy that size than try to get enough in smaller quantities. Having a gallon of the stuff also allows me to add more gel to my storage containers... but I will need to print more of the silica gel containers.
Recently I printed a few really cool silica gel containers, which screw into the centers of spools. The design is by KYZ Design over on MakerWorld. The holders are AMS compatible and is really well thought out to work well and print efficiently. There is an update not included in the base 3MF however, which I recommend using - its for the small lids which cover the compartments. Those updated lids can be found in the 3MF named "Test Fit Cap Trial - Read Profile Description" and are worth printing. Regarding the silica gel itself, if you have shopped for the stuff, you will soon find there are several options. Some are just plain clear/white and others have indicator colors added. The indicators look cool and serve a function, however there are some downsides. The blue indicators use cobalt chloride and are not food safe, but I've read it's a bit cheaper. I'm no chemist, but I would not use the blue silica gel beads due to the cobalt chloride colorant. The other choice for an indicator is orange (Methyl violet) which is also not food safe (for direct contact at least), but should be safer than the blue stuff. I think the best balance for use with my filament spools is the mixed orange and clear silica gels, since they contain only 5-10% orange indicator beads and the rest is just the clear stuff with no additives. If I had pets that got into stuff I'd go with the clear beads and skip the indicators, since using a humidity sensor can tell me when it's time to change or recharge it. I picked up some of this mixed orange and clear silica gel, which was a buck cheaper than Amazon, and includes free shipping. I wish they sold smaller sizes since I don't know if I will be able to use up a gallon of the stuff, but it's still cheaper to buy that size than try to get enough in smaller quantities. Having a gallon of the stuff also allows me to add more gel to my storage containers... but I will need to print more of the silica gel containers. Update 3/10/2024: I remixed a cap with an integrated handle for KYZ's FF2 Desiccant Spool Holders. This cap remix just removes the need for a tool to tighten the caps, and still sits flush with the top of the holders (well, really about 1mm proud of the surface). The design does go in further than the original cap, so a small volume of beads will be sacrificed, but I'm fine with that tradeoff for a tool free cap. You can find the remixed cap here.
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Update 3/31/2024 - There is a newer Version 2.0 of these bins now available. You can find them here: https://makerworld.com/en/models/403263#profileId-304908 https://www.printables.com/model/824499-gridfinity-1xy-multi-compartment-lidded-bins-with And now, back to the regularly scheduled programming: There is a new lidded bin for Gridfinity, it's a small and simple 1x1x6U bin. This 1x1x6U model is the first to get a filament hinge option though, which I plan to add to the others as well. There is also an alternative tab design available (on the 1x1x6U only) which flips the tab around 180º, which I am seeking feedback on. If it's preferred then I may add that to the other designs as well. Currently the following lidded bins are available:
Update 3/27/2024: I've gotten some really great feedback from Ch3vr0n @ Printables on the current design, and made some updates to the design. I am gonna test these, but the changes include:
Update 3/29/2024: There have been a few more iterations of the tab design since the post on 3/27. I think though, the design shown below will be the final version. The tab opens to 80° which seems like plenty, and more importantly, it is a bit thicker and has a more robust hinge. I went ahead and added it to the rest of the bins, and also re-worked the 1x4 6 compartment bin so the doors would be the same size.
For the sake of simplicity, I plan to upload these as one post, and will add links to the new version from the old versions. That should happen soon. I was told that one of my models (which is itself a remix) is for sale on Amazon yesterday. For designers of popular models, this is nothing new. But I'm not a designer of popular models, so this is the first time I've seen it happen with something I designed (or in this case remixed). On the one hand I'm flattered that somebody would feel that using it without permission was worthwhile. But on the other hand, I think they should respect that I post the designs so folks can make them on their own printers, not to sell (they are non-commercial). I asked the Amazon seller to remove my model from their listing, and I hope they will respect that.
Update - the seller responded and offered to pay a copyright fee or would otherwise remove it in a month. Since this model is a remix, I would not take any fee for it, and asked that they remove the weapons pack from their product. They seemed cool though, and I think they are going to follow through, and do the right thing. I should also mention that I have no reason to believe the seller is not properly allowed to use the Dummy 13 figure model, since I believe that Soozafone's supporters at a certain tier have that ability to sell his creations. I was only concerned about the Weapons Pack model (which is under a non-commercial license), and I think that issue is now going to be resolved. There is a new 3 compartment 2x1 (6U high) Gridfinity bin posted, which is designed for the Box For Stuff v2.0 design. It uses a large paperclip as the hinge, and has a multicolor printing option. You can find it here: www.printables.com/model/747515-gridfinity-bin-1x2-divided-into-3-compartments-wit I also made a little 2x1 (6U) bin with a magnet pickup tool. It uses a 6x25 cylinder magnet which works well to help extract tiny stainless steel screws from these bins. The bin is also large enough to hold a few Allen wrenches.
You can find it here: www.printables.com/model/757324-gridfinity-bin-1x2-with-small-parts-magent-tool Working on STL's is a bit of a pain with my CAD program. I have to first convert them to a solid which may or may not work, and usually takes a long time for the processing (over 10 minutes is not uncommon). When an STL does convert, they end up with so many vertices that ViaCAD (v12 pro) will sometimes (often) choke on using the converted solid for anything useful. That means I have to get creative in order to add or remove from a converted solid, which can mean rebuilding parts of the model or using other tools like spitting and copying. That was the case with this remix, which should have been a quick change, but due to the combination of crashing, long waits to save (which I do frequently due to the crashes), and long waits for the program to process cuts and adds to the model, it took several hours to complete this. In any case, I think it's done now, and I have it printing. This is not really a dig on ViaCAD though, when it works, it works well, and for native models it is pretty stable. It's just not great for working with converted STL models with lots of ugly vertices, or really complex designs with many edits in the history. That started to go off the rails... So what "it" is, is a remix of a 6 bin Gridfinity bin, which is 4x1x6 units (4 bins long, divided into 6 bins, 6U high). The reason for the remix is to use the bin with very small parts which could otherwise migrate between bins (such as washers), so I added some lids. There are tabs on each lid, which act as a flip up pull to open each bin, since the tops need to be flush for the application (they will go in my Gridfinity Box For Stuff v2.0). The bin was remixed from Ch3vr0n's (@Printables.com) Gridfinity Boxes for Gridfinity Box For Stuff 20 bin version. The covers will use large paperclip wires for the hinges, but the tabs are print in place. If all works out well, I plan to post this remix today, and will update this post with a link. Due to the way this remix was put together though, I don't plan on making other types at this time. Though that could change if I can find a way to get some clean STEP files for the Gridfinity bins (I'm not going through converting another STL for one of these bins again lol). Update 1/28/2024: After printing the doors I realized that there was not enough room for a label, which requires about 9mm, so I modified the design slightly and am re-printing it to test. I'm also gonna print it with a smooth PEI plate so I can apply the 9mm Brother P-Touch labels. There was another minor change which I made to make this safer to build. The holes for the wire hinge are 1.25mm diameter, and the paperclip wire is about 1.05mm, so it goes in snug. When I was assembling it I realized that it would be better to install two 15mm lengths from each side, rather than one long piece through the center. So I partly blocked the hole through the doors with a tapered section so the paperclip cannot be passed all the way through the doors. That will require that 15mm wires are installed from each side to form each hinge. The last pic shows the modified design. Other than those changes, it should be done (once it's tested). Update 1/29/2024: The design is now posted on Printables at the link below:
https://www.printables.com/model/742954-gridfinity-bin-1x4-divided-into-6-compartments-wit My printer is currently ducted outside via an unused doggie door, and it's been working well. However I want to connect two printer ducts now (and the current pass through only allows one). Additionally, I thought it would be worth trying to add some flappers on the outlet, to help keep bugs from getting into the hose. Any bugs that do get in, cannot get in the house since they would be stopped by a HEPA filter, but it's still better to keep them out as much as possible. One part of this is a bit too large for my X1C, so I will either need to split it, or hook up my CR10S Pro to spit it out (I'll probably just split it). Once I get this pass though installed, I can then install my booster duct fan and test it out with the X1C. Update 1/22/2024: Whoopsie :D Somewhere along the line during the drawing of the plate with the vents in it, I mirrored the one side with threads, which is a no-no. It resulted in left hand threads on one side (this can be seen in the left pic above though its difficult due to the resolution). Fortunately I split the plate, so I only need to re-print one side. After going back to the model though, I decided to add a version which can use brass inserts, and also increased the wall thickness around the inserts (which are M4). I'm printing it now, and expect this will be a day or two, since it's almost a day or print time between all the parts. Update 1/27/2024: It printed well and is installed. I added a TPU gasket between the front plate and the box that holds the "flappers" to compensate for any gaps. It works well with both my current enclosure vent fan and the single fan booster fan, which means it should also work with the double fan ducted booster fan as well. I plan to release this design along with the booster fans, which are mostly completed, but not fully tested. The last image shows the flappers in action, with the weaker single fan booster (with the blue coupler) blowing air through about 5 feet of 2.5" hose before the outlet. The weaker single fan booster does not open all four of the flaps (just the bottom two), but the flow seemed OK. The more powerful enclosure fan (gray coupler) will move all the flaps into their open position. I used some D profile gasket to help seal up the transitions in the doggie door.
This post is updated on 2/11/2024. There have been some really helpful suggestions from folks who have made the Bambu Box For Stuff, as well as the Gridfinity BFS, so I've updated the models with some changes. All the current versions are now updated to version 2.1 (latest version). These updates took longer than expected, and hopefully they will be good for a while. I still plan to work on a 16x Gridfinity and maybe other sizes, when time permits. But I'm gonna be focusing on other projects in the near term, since I have several that need attention. The Version 2.1 updates for all the different boxes include the following improvements:
The Basic BFS Version 2.1:The Basic Box for Stuff is posted on Printables. Gridfinity BFS 20 Bin and 25 Bin Version 2.1 Updates:The 20 Bin Gridfinity Case is available on Printables and MakerWorld. The 25 Bin Gridfinity Case (untested) is available on Printables (if you make it, please provide feedback). Bambu X1C Tool Kit Version 2.1 Updates:In addition to the Version 2.1 updates listed above, the Bambu Spare Parts Case is also updated with all of the above changes, plus the following:
The Bambu Tool Kit is available on MakerWorld and Printables.
I posted the 20 bin Box for Stuff today and also posted it to Reddit in r/FunctionalPrint, where somebody asked if there would be a 25 bin version (for 1x1x6 bins). I initially said not at this time, but long story short, I had some time tonight, and gave it a shot. The result is pictured above, and I'm 99% sure it's gonna work, but I can never be 100% sure until I test it. The problem though, is that I cannot test it, since it has a footprint of 242x265mm, and that is too large for my X1C (and my CR10S Pro is on ice right now). Still, I plan to post this up as an untested remix, so it can be tested (just not by me, since my X1C is too small to print this version). Please note though, the 20 bin version of the Box For Stuff is fully tested (by me) and works without issues. UPDATE - The larger 25 bin version is posted on Printables, but it has not been tested, so print it at your own risk (but please provide feedback on it if you do make it). https://www.printables.com/model/719788-gridfinity-25-bin-box-for-stuff-untested-remix Update 1/18/2024: After getting some helpful feedback and suggestions, I'm re-working this 25 bin Gridfinity box, so it will fit on an X1C bed (which will speed up printing quite a bit over most larger printers). The design is almost ready to test, however I need to update some other minor changes to the design before it's posted. Update 1/20/2024: The 25 bin Gridfinity box has been updated to v2.0 with the following changes:
Just a quick update and teaser for the next Weapons Pack for Dummy 13. Just like the last one, this will have some Sci-Fi inspired weapons, and they will be in a card kit format (and will not require supports). I've only completed (but not tested) the designs for the two weapons shown, and I feel it needs at least two more, so that will take some time (and I need to decide which type will be added). I will add updates on the progress here. UPDATE 1/13/2024: I added one more blaster pistol to the pack, so I now just need to make another rifle and I think it should be done (well, I gotta test them too, then it would be done). UPDATE #2 1/13/2024: The 2nd rifle is done, and the first test print was pretty cool. I made some changes to fix some minor issues, and added some integrated supports due to a failure of the print of the blaster pistol in the right side pic below. The updated design is printing now. UPDATE 1/14/2024: I made some minor cosmetic changes after printing the design shown previously, and I think it's done. I'm write it up and post it soon. UPDATE #2 1/14/2024: Its done and posted on Printables:
https://www.printables.com/model/721487-dummy-13-weapons-pack-v40-star-wars-sci-fi-inspire These weapons go great with Mici's Scout Trooper remix for Dummy 13 too. I used the upper arms and thighs from my Astronaut remix for Dummy 13, since the parts have cargo pockets, which I though would look cool. The chest is from Andrew Gipson's Blank Chest for Dummy 13. The Gridfinity Box For Stuff (and the updated BFS v2.0) have been on the back burner for a while now, and since I had some time today, I got back to work on it. The design is completed (and has been mostly completed for a while now). But the earlier test prints I had were not great (likely due to poor quality filament), so I re-printed the top, and added the "Unofficial Gridfinity Logo" to it as well. I also printed a few 1x1x6 unit bins to test (and they fit). The box will hold 20 bins, but I only printed 4 of them to test the box out. I'm now re-printing some of the other small parts, and a new front label for the top. If it all works out, I may be able to get this posted soon (maybe this week even). UPDATE 1/12/2024: It's (finally) posted on Printables, you can find it here: https://www.printables.com/model/710154-gridfinity-box-for-stuff-bfs Update 1/20/2024: The 20 bin Gridfinity box has been updated to v2.0 with the following changes:
https://www.printables.com/model/710154-gridfinity-box-for-stuff-bfs-20-bin-version-20 |
Stoopid MeWelcome to my Stoopid corner of teh Internet. It's mostly gonna be 3D printing stuff, but I also post some recipes, projects, and the occasional rant here as well. More Stoopid stuff is updated regularly. Archives
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