July 19, 2026
Description
UPDATE: new module with drawers! I've added a new picture of the prototype. Please, check updated instructions.
This is a modular cubic shelf with drawers and storage bins. It is designed to be printed by parts (each board separately) and then be assembled.
Designing the model this way with dovetails had a few pros:
More structural strength and durability
Resistant to humidity and water, compared to regular melamine cubic shelves
Dividing the printing process, therefore avoiding the use of supports, printing problems and reducing printing time rather if it was printed as a whole model
Customization and aesthetics. Tip: mix different filament colours!
Depending on the cost of the materials you are using, it might be cheaper than regular modular shelves on the market (check average filament costs for calculating this)
I suggest printing the shelf structure and joining pins with materials like PETG or even more durable. However, you can print the drawer box with any rigid material you wish, like PLA.
By the way: each cube models can fit three 1kg filament spool boxes, in case you find it handy.
(Recommended) The project includes a dovetail tester. I strongly recommend printing it with the project's tolerances to check if you need adjustments based on your printer.
For each cube module, you will need to print 2 boards of each type (4 in total) and assemble them together. It is advised to apply some super glue inside the dovetails when assembling.
Module with drawers: in case you want to build a module with drawers, there is another type of side board with slides that you should print instead. You'll have to print 2 drawers.
If you want to assemble two modules, you can glue them, but if you want to be able to rearrange them in the future, the project also includes a joining pin model. You'll only need two for connecting two modules, and attach them to two matching inner corners (see the print's photo). You can also print 4 to secure 4 corners, the storage box is prepared for that just in case, although that might be not the case for drawers.
(Optional): attach adhesive legs or wheels on the bottom of the cube composition. The print in the pictures has four adhesive wheels.
The uploaded model measures 24,5x24,5x20 each module, but you can scale it to match your needs. Just take into account the dovetails need to be scales proportionally. That's why the .3mf project includes the boards models as assemblies with separate pieces for the dovetails. That way, you can scale the central board to whatever measures you need, and then all the dovetails proportionally. Please take this into account when customizing.
In the case of drawers, the slides are also added as pieces so you can edit them, but as long as you scale the Z dimension proportionally everything will be right.
The .3mf project already includes all the needed configuration, but if you'd rather manage the shelves, this is the recommended printing configuration:
❗ 1. Global Settings
Layer height: 0.28mm
X-Y hole compensation / X-Y contour compensation: 0.4mm
🟥 2. Cube Modules (Main Structure) The cubes are printed as separate panels (boards) to ensure maximum speed, avoid excessive supports, and optimize the mechanical finish. Each cube measures 24.5cm x 24.5cm x 20cm.
Speed configuration is optional but recommended for maximum quality and adhesion to bed.
Recommended Material: PETG (provides flexibility and torsional resistance under load).
Printing Strategy: Print the panels separately / flat on the bed to save print time, eliminate the need for supports, and prevent printing issues by splitting the process.
Slicer Parameters:
Wall loops (Perimeters): 3 or 4 (depending on the weight they will support).
Sparse infill density (Infill): 10% using Gyroid or CrossHatch pattern (they handle inertia better and prevent nozzle collisions).
Bed adhesion: Requires a generous Brim to prevent warping (corner lifting), which is typical for PETG on long parts.
(Optional) Outer wall speed: 60 - 100 mm/s.
(Optional) Inner wall & Infill speed: 100 - 150 mm/s.
(Optional) Sparse infill speed: 80 mm/s.
Estimated Consumption: ~230g per panel / 920g per module.
🔩 3. Shelf Support / Joining Pin
Recommended Material: PETG.
Bed Orientation: Crucial! Print the part lying horizontally flat. If printed vertically (standing up), the structural load of the furniture will easily break the part by separating the layers. By printing it flat, the filament lines run along the length of the part, making it virtually indestructible.
Slicer Parameters:
Wall loops (Perimeters): Increase to 6 or 8 walls.
Sparse infill density (Infill): 40% - 50% (Gyroid pattern). Combining this many walls with this infill density makes the narrow areas practically solid.
Top/Bottom shell layers: 5 layers to stiffen the flat surfaces.
Estimated Consumption: ~10g per shelf support.
📥 4. Drawer / Custom Organizer Box
Recommended Material: Any rigid material, including PLA!
Slicer Parameters (Maximum savings without losing strength):
Wall loops (Perimeters): 2 or 3 walls. With 2.4 mm walls in the design, the printer will make the wall 100% solid plastic, eliminating vertical infill.
Bottom Infill: 12% - 15% if it's a storage bin, you can lower to 10% if it's a drawer. Using Grid or Cubic pattern. Ideal for withstanding compression from the weight of tools on horizontal surfaces.
Bottom layers: 3 bottom layers and 3 top layers.
Supports required
Estimated Consumption: ~390g per storage box, ~290g per drawer
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial
anagf
