Soldering Iron Tips Case - Print-in-Place Components with Minimal Assembly

UPDATE: I added lock/unlock symbols to the case just to make it easier to open and shut.

I needed a something to keep my soldering iron tips and heat-set insert end from rolling around in my electronics-tool case. I got a little excited and may have done a little more than was necessary but I'm very proud of it! The insert and case are print in place and only a little bit of effort is needed to put the lock in place! You will also need some M4 heat-set inserts that are 6mm wide and no more than 7mm long. Of course, you may not want to use heat-set insert or your soldering iron parts might be different from mine so I have included the .step and .f3d files so you can edit the case to your needs.

For best results you may want to print the case and lock with exclusive slicing tolerance in addition to your usual offsets. You will need supports for the case but everything else should print without much help. The lock may be a little tricky to get into place but once it is installed, it should not come off again easily. My recommendation is to place the front of the lock edge into the bottom groove of the case with the case open and try to push the lock forward and up onto the upper part of the case groove. It may stick at first but should loosen after a few slides. If it doesn't loosen up, you may be able to remove the lock by knocking it back down and off with the help of a screw driver and mallet. You can then reprint the lock with a different offset until it works as intended. When putting the insert in, make sure that the rotating tip holder lines up with the trench inside the bottom right side of the case. The tip holder will not rotate if the insert is put in wrong. I printed mine in PETG and changed the filament after 3 layers to achieve the contrast shown.

Let me know what you think of the model and be sure to post a make and review if you like it!