MINI Box For Stuff (fits A1 MINI / Prusa Mini size printers) v1.3

This is a mini version of my Box For Stuff.  This case is designed to fit on a Bambu A1 MINI or Prusa Mini size printer with a 180x180mm bed.  I don't own an A1 Mini, but I did confirm that this design slices correctly using an A1 Mini profile, which is included.  I have printed a prototype of this box on my X1C, and everything works, but if you make this on an A1 Mini or Prusa Mini, please provide feedback.

Also included here are are new (optional) modular base and lid models, which have posts to mount modular inserts using M3 screws.  The blank insert modules, which work with the modular base and lid are not included here, but are posted separately to allow for remixing - you can find them here:

https://www.printables.com/model/960601-modular-customizable-inserts-for-the-mini-box-for

Below is a summary of the various lid and base options, which should help with choosing which plates or models to print (if you have questions, please post in the comments):

BASES:

• BFS_MINI_7K_BASE.stl (plain base, which works with all lids)
• BFS_MINI_v9A_MODULAR_BASE.stl (base with posts, to be used with customizable insert modules only - do not print this one unless you plan to use a screw in insert module).

LIDS:

• BFS_MINI_7K_LID-w_GASKET.stl (empty lid, which requires a TPU gasket model “BFS_MINI_7K_LID_TPU_GASKET.stl”)
• BFS_MINI_7K_LID_PLAIN.stl (empty lid which does not use a TPU gasket)
• BFS_MINI_7K_LID-w_GASKET_3_COMPARTMENT.stl (3 compartment lid, which requires a TPU gasket model “BFS_MINI_7K_LID_TPU_GASKET.stl”)
• BFS_MINI_7K_LID_PLAIN_3_COMPARTMENT.stl (3 compartment lid which does not use a TPU gasket)
• BFS_MINI_v9A_MODULAR_LID-w-GASKET.stl (lid with posts and the TPU gasket option, to be used with customizable insert modules only - do not print this one unless you plan to use a screw in insert module).
• BFS_MINI_v9A_MODULAR_LID-NO-GASKET.stl (lid with posts, without the TPU gasket option, to be used with customizable insert modules only - do not print this one unless you plan to use a screw in insert module).

To help with assembly, I have some instructions on my website which are not specific to this basic case, but they still cover important parts of the assembly.  The instructions are for a larger case with more features, but it shows how to assemble the latches and hinges.    

The Bill Of Materials needed to assemble this is below:

(2) M3 x 10mm SHCS  (these hold the latch “cleats” to the top of the case)
(2) M3 x 20mm to 30mm SHCS (for the hinges)
(2) M3 x 20mm SHCS (latches)
(2) M3 x 30mm SHCS (latches)
SHCS = Socket Head Cap Screws

Additionally, if using the 3 compartment lid version, you will need the following:

(6) M3x6mm Button Head Cap Screws (BHCS) - or any M3x6 button head screws.

These models are designed to print without supports.  You can use the included 3MF, which is set up for a Bambu A1 Mini and has the following settings:

• 2 walls (3 walls used for the doors)
• Arachne Wall Generator
• 15% rectilinear infill on most parts (latch parts have 100% infill)
• Brims on the large case parts only

The profile includes a multicolor plate and a TPU gasket plate.  Remove any parts that you do not intend to use.

Just a note on the TPU “gasket”.  It is not going to be water tight, there are too many variables that can affect that.  

I also included a blank label, which you can customize in the slicer (on the Multicolor plate), as well as a label designed to be used with 12mm Brother P-Touch Labels.

Assembly info:

I recommend wearing eye protection to assemble this, since there are some parts (such as the doors) need to snap in place.

The latches, labels and other case parts go together similar to the case described here.  The latches are left and right side specific.  The latches use a 20mm and 30mm SHCS.  The 20mm screw is installed last, and there is an access hole in the side of the base of the case to assist with installing the 20mm screw.  A longer latch (bambu_a1_toolbox_8e_taller_latches-l-r.stl) is included, in case the original latch is too tight.  The longer latch is also included in the 3mf profile. 

The cleats which the latches pull on, are located on the lid.  These parts are identical, and two are needed.  The cleats slide into position and are then held with M3x10mm SHCS screws.  If you find that the cleats are too tight to slide into position, you can sand the ears which ride in the dovetail grooves on the lid.  If that does not work, you can try these alternate parts, which are designed with more clearance.

The hinges for this case can use (2) 20-30mm SHCS screws, which simply install from the outside of the case, and go towards the center. 

The doors in the case will also need to be installed (see step 6 here for more info).  The doors have a top and bottom latch, which sandwich over the door.  The top latch has a tab, and can either be printed in one color or two colors, but in both cases, the tabs are printed in place.  Pop the tab loose prior to installing the latches.  The latches install using (2) M3x6mm BHCS screws, which install from the bottom of the latch.  Once the latches are installed on the doors, check that they operate smoothly.  To install the doors, set one side in, then at a low angle (almost closed), push the remaining side in place.  A small flat head screwdriver may help if the hinge tabs are not seating.

The TPU gasket only installs one way, and take note of the textured side, which faces out.  To install the TPU gasket, I used a regular size sharpie pen, and pressed a 25mm section in place about midway along each side.  Then I used the rounded end of the pen to press the gasket into position around each corner.  

The labels install by popping them into place.  They can be removed using a flat head screwdriver to pry them out, if they need to be changed later.

The diagram below was made for the more complicated A1/A1 Mini Spares Case, but it shares the same fasteners as this case (just ignore the magnets and screws related to the tools insert):

Other stuff:

If you want to check out my similar Gridfinity cases, you can find them at the links below:

1. Gridfinity Box For Stuff 20 bin (6U)
2. Gridfinity Box For Stuff 25 bin (6U) (max size for a Bambu X1C/P1S)
3. Gridfinity Box For Stuff 16 bin (6U) (Ender 3 size)
4. Gridfinity Box For Stuff 16 bin - 12U deep version (Ender 3 size)
5. Gridfinity Box For Stuff 2 bin (6U) mini version (can be used to test)

And if you need some bins for small parts, the following bins with covers are a good option to use with the Box For Stuff 20 bin and 25 bin cases (or other 6U tall cases):

1. 1x1, 1x2 (3 Compartment) and 1x4 (6Compartment) bins with lids (3U, 6U and 9U) - version 2.1
2. 1 compartment 2x1 (6U) bin with a magnet pickup tool
3. 1x2, 1x3, 1x4 (6U, 9U and 12U) Lidded Bin for Stuff with Latch Version 2.0
4. 2x2, 2x3, 2x4 (6U, 9U  and 12U) Lidded Bin for Stuff with Latch Version 2.0
5. 3x3, 3x4 (6U, 9U  and 12U) Lidded Bin for Stuff with Latch Version 2.0
6. 4x4, 4x5 (6U, 9U  and 12U) Lidded Bin for Stuff with Latch Version 2.0

If you find these models useful, please post a like or a comment with some pics of your prints. 

You can find the other things I'm working on at my blog here.  You can also follow me here on Printables to see what new stuff I post.  If you would like to support my work, you can Buy Me A Coffee using this link:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mystoopidstuff

Thanks for looking!

UPDATE 7/28/2024 -  A blank (customizable) insert remix version, and an A1 / A1 Mini Tools case version are coming soon.  You can follow updates on my blog.

Update 7/28/2024 (2) - I noticed that the file names for the TPU gasket and PLAIN versions of the lids were swapped around.  That is now corrected in the STL's and the 3MF.

Update 6/20/2024 - Due to a report of a cracked latch mount on the case, I updated the latch clasp with “Bambu_A1_toolbox_8E_REG_LATCHES-L-R.STL”. This file is updated in the 3MF as well.  Additionally, if the regular latch is too tight, there is an alternative STL for a slightly taller latch named “Bambu_A1_toolbox_8E_TALLER_LATCHES-L-R.stl”, which you can try.  I have tested both, as well as the original, and all work on my case, but the “Regular” version in the 3mf is probably the best.

Update 7/31/2024 - Updated to what I'm call'in V1.3, with a new modular lit and base with blank inserts.  The inserts are made available as STEP models in a separate model to allow for customizing and remixing of the modular inserts.