March 7, 2026
Description
A simple coin-operated vending machine with a lockable lid and rear door for coin storage. I designed this so you can 3D print and assemble it yourself.
The vending machine supports capsules up to 35 mm, but it was designed and tested with 30 mm capsules in mind, as they are cheap and easy to buy in bulk online.
The mechanism was designed to work with €1 and 50c coins, but it should be compatible with any coin between 23.25 mm and 24.25 mm in diameter.
You can also print and use the 23.5 mm coins provided in the print profile if you prefer.
I recommend printing all mechanical parts in PETG for improved strength and durability as for the body PLA is perfectly fine.
you must use PLA support material or PETG as a interface for supports.
The only additional component required is a spring from a regular pen, which is used for the ratchet mechanism.
Cut the spring to the following lengths:
The spring should just fit inside the casing and apply only light pressure. If the spring pressure is too strong, the ratchet mechanism will become stiff and the coin may get stuck.
The design was made to fully push-fit together, but depending on your printer tolerances and the filament used, you may want to add a small drop of glue in a few places if any parts feel loose.
I printed the prototype using the BambuLab Matte filament range and had no issues, but your experience may vary depending on your printer and settings.
Slide the upper and lower body pieces together.
Align the mesh frame inside the upper body and start pushing in the outer trim. When installing the trim on the mesh walls of the upper body, the fit will be tight. I found the easiest method is to insert three corners first, then line up the fourth corner. Place the body trim-side down on a flat surface and press down evenly to seat it fully without damaging the parts. Repeat this step for the other side.
Assemble the ratchet mechanism and locks. See the pictures below for reference.
Insert the catcher almost all the way in, leaving a few millimeters of space so the front cover can be installed more easily.
Insert the ratchet assembly, making sure the rod is pushed back into the hole in the lower body and the ratchet components are compressed downward. The lid of the ratchet part should stick out slightly, as this will later fit into the lid.
Insert the front lower plate so the rod passes through the hole and the plate sits in the small notches of the catcher, then push the catcher the rest of the way in.
Push in the front trim of the lower body and attach the handle to the rod.
If you discover any issues with the design, please let me know. I’m currently working on more mechanical prints, so I would really appreciate any constructive feedback.
License:
Standard Digital File License
Yukiba
