Cosmic Symmetric Stashbox

Update 06-02-2023
Project got featured on Printables, please check it out over there it has files for 8,5mm rods, 200mm rods and a hardware kit is avaible.

Update 03-01-2023

The project got quite a bit of attention please read some of my additional notes below. And thank you all for the feedback!

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Here, I present yet another storage contraption, this one sporting a fully symmetrical design which was the challenge I had In mind. Please read the text bellow before printing.

I'm Christiaan, a engineer who likes 3D printing. Using Fusion 360 and a Creality Ender 6 printer, I create designs inspired by sci-fi and gaming aesthetics. You can find my work on Instagram (@SMACKMAX_) and platforms like Printables.com and Thingiverse.com. My latest project is the "Timepiece storage crate," a functional and stylish 3D-printed watch storage solution.

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Requirements:

4 x Rods with a diameter of 8 mm and a length of 195 mm (i used aluminium 8mm about 2 euros per meter at the local hardwarestore)

Filament of your choice for 3D printing (i used fiberlogy copper,gray and graphite PLA)

8 x Allen bolts (4x15 mm) (used for attaching the Handle/Grill File to the side plates)

12 x Allen bolts (4x10 mm) (used for securing the rods in a fixed position, used in side plate and the locking Wing file)

4 x Allen bolts (5x20 mm) (used for attaching clips)

4 x Hex nuts (M5) (used for attaching clips)

superglue (used for attaching the option tray butt file, but this makes it no longer truly symmetric, and if needed to secure the Clam to the side plate but should pressure fit)

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Things to note:

-The rods can be any material but I found the aluminium can be a bit oval, the sliding action needs perfect 8mm rods to slide nice and free.

-Sanding the contacting surfaces might be needed for smooth operation

-Heat can be used to press in place bolts and nuts if they don’t coorparate

-Handle and Grill file can be switched for a fully symmetric look

-print oriëntation(all need support): Shells should be printed with the lips pointing upwards, sides can be printen on their back, handle and grill on their back aswell (handle needs support under the bridge), wing lock should be printen like a arrow pointing upwards, the clips go on their side.

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(03-01-2023) additional notes:

-I have added a video showing how the mechanisme works;
-I have addes superglue to the list of needed materials and make small notes where what hardware goes)
-Added additional note and picture about my suggested print orientation;
-The tray butt is a optional file that needs to be glued in place, due to it not making the thing symmetric;
The Shell needs to be glued to side plate if your friction fit is not enough (mine does not use glue);
The design is zero-tolarance, so drilling out some of the holes might be needed;
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a44YMOQgLo