Dodeca-Iris Box

This is an improved version of my Dodeca-box and Dodeca-box V2 iris boxes which features an easy opening twist collar. No support material is required for this design.

This was originally uploaded to MyMiniFactory in 2019, and I have now uploaded it here as well.

I have 14 other Iris boxes designs and I have an instructable describing them and how to print them.

Other than the printed parts this requires M2x6 countersunk/flathead screws to assemble (the same screws used for all my other designs); 60 screws in total are required for one box. Larger or smaller screws may be used if you scale the model appropriately e.g. M3x8 screws at 150% part scale.

Lid Designs

There are three types of door designs included for the box: the plain 'door' is completely flat; 'top door mech' has an embossed embellishment on top; and lastly there are the 'hole' parts which have the same pattern as the 'mech' parts, but the panels are cut all the way through the doors creating the framework type appearance.

There are also two types of opening collar: 'collar 1' has six dimples for gripping the collar while 'collar 2' has twelve dimples.

There are two versions of the container, the standard sized container is approximately 80mm tall, the shortened container brings the overall height down to 50mm and the container opening is 62mm in diameter.

Part Testing

Before printing off all the parts you should make sure the screw joints work correctly with your print settings. Print one 'door top' and one 'door base' parts. Check that your screws fit tightly in the holes in 'door top' but are free to rotate in the 'door base' holes and the head is flush with the bottom surface. You may need to use XY compensation to get a good fit.

Part Printing

To make one box you will need to print: 

• 1x 'container' or ‘short container’ 
• 1x 'collar 1' or ‘collar 2’ 
• 6x ‘link 1’ 
• 6x ‘link 2’ 
• 12x 'door base' of any type 
• 12x 'door top' of any type 

No support material is required for these parts. You will also need 60 M2x6 countersunk/flathead screws.

The multicolour lids are achieved simply by doing a material swap at the appropriate height.

The pattern on the yellow container was formed using the velocity painting technique on the standard container (more info in my Instructable). The triangular pattern was remixed from a design by rawpixel.com / Freepik.

Assembly Instructions 

Step 1

Firstly screw the non-pointed end of the longer links (link 1) to the collar. It is important to get these the right way around otherwise the mechanism will not work. Then place the collar assembly onto the container. 

Step 2

Now you can screw the smaller end of the smaller links (link 2) to the holes in the container, again making sure they are the correct way around. This should hold the collar assembly onto the container securely, but it should still be free to rotate.

Step 3

Next take all the 'door' parts and begin assembling them into the iris with the screws. It is easier to assemble it in the closed iris position and try to keep the screws straight to make the assembled top neat.

Don't overtighten the screws otherwise it will be difficult to open the box. I generally tighten them all the way and then untighten them half a turn. This iris mechanism should now open and close fully in your hands.

Step 4

Now take the container assembly, flip it upside down and place it onto the base of the iris mechanism. Screw the larger end of the small links (link 2) to the inner holes on the 'base' doors. Make sure the six links are distibuted evenly around the mechanism, one every other base door.

Step 5

Now take the longer links and screw them to the outer holes on the same doors which the other links (link 2) are attached to.

The box is now fully assembled! The box should close by twisting the collar clockwise (it may be a bit stiff at first).

If you have any problems with this design, let me know and I will try to help.