🧼 Self-Draining Soap Holder (2-Part System – Insert + Tray)
A highly optimized soap holder designed for real-world use and clean 3D printing.
This model uses a 2-part system consisting of a removable insert and a tray, ensuring efficient drainage, stable soap placement and easy cleaning.
✨ Key Features
- True Self-Draining Design
The insert is angled (~7°) and combined with elongated drainage channels to actively guide water away from the soap. - 2-Part System (Insert + Tray)
The soap rests on a removable insert while water collects (or drains) below.
This keeps your soap dry and prevents it from sitting in water. - Anti-Slip Stopper Geometry
Precisely tuned stoppers prevent the soap from sliding forward, even when wet.
Designed to work with both smooth and textured filaments. - Finger Access Cutout
The front opening allows quick and easy removal of the insert. - Two Tray Variants
- Standard Tray: collects water (perfect for cabinets or shelves)
- Drain Tray: integrated outlet for continuous water drainage (ideal for sinks)
- Functional Edge Design
Carefully adjusted edges and radii ensure proper water separation and prevent unwanted water retention.
📏 Dimensions & Compatibility
- Inner usable area: 105 x 80 mm
- Compatible with:
- Standard rectangular soap bars
- Round soaps (tested with ~71 mm diameter)
Designed for maximum compatibility without wasted space.
🧠 Design Approach
This model focuses on function over gimmicks:
- Water is actively guided away
- Soap remains stable without sticking
- Insert removal is simple and intuitive
- Surfaces are optimized for FDM printing
- Geometry is tuned to avoid water buildup
Every detail – from slope angle to stopper height – was iteratively refined.
🖨️ Printing Notes
- Standard version: prints without supports
- Drain tray (spout version):
For best results, supports are recommended around the outlet.
With well-tuned settings, it can also be printed support-free. - Recommended settings:
- Layer height: 0.08 mm (especially for smooth slopes)
- 0.4 mm nozzle
- 2–3 perimeters
- Important:
Using the provided print profile is strongly recommended, as it is optimized for:- clean overhang performance (drain)
- smooth surface finish on angled areas
- correct fit between insert and tray
🔧 Fit & Tolerances
- Designed clearance ensures:
- secure fit without rattling
- easy removal of the insert
- Optimized for typical PLA tolerances.
🎨 Material Notes
- Works with PLA, PETG and similar materials
- Textured filaments (e.g. marble PLA) increase grip
- Smooth filaments also perform reliably due to geometry-based friction
💡 Optional Visual Features
- Outer tray can be printed with fuzzy skin for a subtle textured look
- Clean logo placement on the back for a refined finish
🚀 Final Thoughts
This is a function-first design built around real usage:
No unnecessary complexity – just a clean, efficient and well-engineered soap holder that does exactly what it should.
If you print it, feel free to share your results!
SH3D
