Brick Storage - Magnetic, Modular Storage System
byalext1This is a collection of modular, magnetically-sealed storage boxes based on the building block design popularized by LEGO. It is a fairly easy print with no supports required. Additionally, all printable parts fit within 180mm x 90mm, meaning it can be printed on an A1 mini or any similar small printer.
Bricks The following bricks are included:
4x2 - 180mm x 89.5mm 4x1 - 180mm x 44.2mm 3x2 - 134.7mm x 89.5mm 3x1 - 134.7mm x 44.2mm 2x2 - 89.5mm x 89.5mm 2x1 - 89.5mm x 44.2mm 1x1 - 44.2mm x 44.2mm 1x1 cylinder - 44.2mm x 44.2mm
The dimensions of the bricks are slightly offset from what would be expected to account for clearance between bricks and to stick with the ratios of actual LEGO bricks.
Magnets You will need small 6x2mm magnets. The tolerances are fairly tight for inserting the magnets to prevent them from falling out and you will need to press fit them. If you have trouble getting them in, you can use a pair of pliers. One trick I've also found is to partially insert the magnet, then flip the brick over and press it against a table so it gets pushed in fully. If the magnets don't fit, you can scale up all parts by around 1-2% for looser tolerances.
Make sure you insert the magnets in the correct orientation so the lid snaps on even when rotated!
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Thank you to PCBWay for sponsoring this project! PCBWay offers a wide variety of manufacturing options including CNC machining, electronics design, and 3D printing of course. This enables makers anywhere to tackle new workflows and simply build cool stuff, all at an affordable price. I highly recommend checking them out at https://www.pcbway.com to see how they can meet your production needs—the ordering process is quick and it's easy to get a quote for any project, small or large.
PCBWay is also working with Thingiverse to hold a Mechanical Design Project Challenge that is currently open to enter for anyone interested in robotics and mechanical design.