OpenSCAD Customizable Storage Box

This is an OpenSCAD defined parametric storage box that lets you define the specific internal height, length and width. You can also specify whether to have one or two latches. This is inspired by other designs (which often only provide STL files), but is a fresh implementation using OpenSCAD. The OpenSCAD 'Customizer' window simplifies the configuration so that the desired STL files can be generated with the desired dimensions and options without the need to edit the OpenSCAD file.

NOTE: There is a new v16 at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7303495, which provides options for internal partitions as might be useful for things such as ammo boxes, coins, etc.

The STL files posted here are only EXAMPLES, use the OpenSCADA file to generate the STL files to YOUR specifications! OpenSCAD is FREE, EASY to use and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux. See OpenSCAD.org to download.

If you want trays for the box, you can use the design at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7262765 to configure them.

There is no need to directly edit the OpenSCAD file. Note that there may be newer versions of the 'Box.stl' file posted, where indicates a version number. Parts generated by any version are compatible with other versions, as versions only add more configuration options. Use the one with the highest number! See the version history below to identify added features/options/controls.

The following are the key parameters to adjust in the OpenSCAD Customizer:

bh = 34; // bottom height >= 12mm
th = 16; // top height >= 16mm
l = 200; // length >= 80mm
w = 80; // width >= 12mm
n = 2; // number of latches, should be 1 or 2

Note that the total inside volume of a box is (th+bh) * l * w / 1000 liters.

There is also the option to place a text labels inside and outside of the top cover. If you want to include a label, adjust the following five parameters as appropriate for the size of the box and text string length:

label = "Your Text String"; //personalized label text
ts=10; // text size, should be at least 8
toff=10; // text left offset, so that text string can be centered
voff=0; // vertical text offset
fnt="Arial:style=Bold"; // text font

In V6, options were added for pre-text and post-text strings on the top and three lines of text inside the bottom of the box. They have similar parameters that can be adjusted.

In V7, an option was added for lacing a PNG image on the top of the box. The parameters to configure include:

logo = "MyImage.png"; // image filename
logox = 0; // offset from left
logoy = 0; // offset from bottom
ls = 0.3; // logo scale factor to generate image in desired size

In V8, configuration options allowed control of which parts are rendered (e.g. all, top, bottom, latches). There is no longer any need to directly edit the OpenSCAD file for anything. There were also options added for strap attachments on the bottom (strapAttach=true), or a coin hole on the top (coinSlot=true) and a non-swappable latch.

In V9, an option (sideLatches=true) was added for side latches, where the width is >=40mm. There were improvements that made it possible to use the Customizer window for all configuration options and control of the rendering of parts.

In V10, a ruggedization option (rugged=true) was added to print 'ribs' on the outside of the case for added strength where the length=60mm.

In V11, a waterproof/water-resistant option (waterproof=true) was added that includes the ability to print a gasket (using TPU) and an internal wider internal lip to the top and bottom of the box. The gasket is placed inside the top of the box, where the rounded side of the gasket is left exposed to contact the lip on the bottom of the box when the box is closed. Note that to ensure a good watertight seal, it may be necessary to lightly sand the lip on the bottom of the box that meets the gasket, as the printer may not leave a smooth enough surface on the lip. Some glue on the back/flat side of the gasket is recommended. The use of more latches on the box is also advised. The renderGasket=true option should be used to print the gasket, which also requires that waterproof=true. Note that PLA is porous and will absorb water, so you would want to print the top and bottom of the box with PETG or ABS if you really need the case to be waterproof (to a given depth) or water resistant.

In V12, made the lip on the bottom of the box slightly higher (than it was in V11) when the waterproof option is selected.

The hinges and latches are secured using M3x40mm screws. You will need 3 to 10 of them depending on whether you configure a box with 1 or 2 latches on the front and optional side latches. Alternatively, you sometimes can use two 12-20mm M3 screws in place of each M3x40mm screw. The box will have a tight fit. Boxes with a length less than 80, will automatically use a single hinge. In V8 an option was added to allow for a hole in the latch and bottom box to be secured with an M3x12mm screw.

You can easily edit the OpenSCAD file to only generate STL for the desired top, bottom or latches as well as to edit parameters to obtain the desired box dimensions and options. The OpenSCAD 'Customizer' window is the easiest way to edit parameters. The STL files for the top and bottom portions of the box are provided as examples, where you should generate the STL files specific to your needs. These boxes can be water resistant when printed with PETG, PETG+ or ABS. In other cases, I strongly recommend using PLA+, PLA Pro or Tough PLA (instead of PLA) as it provides for stronger hinges. Currently the box parts do NOT require any supports for printing, except where images are rendered in some cases.

Version history:
V3 - Initial release
V4 - Text label option to outside of top cover as well as inside
Tighter latch
V5 - Smoother hinge operation
Stronger top hinge
V6 - Support for smaller boxes with length between 40mm and 80mm (one hinge)
Added pre-text and post-text label options
Added vertical offset option for text labels
Deeper labels on top of box
Added option for three lines of text inside box bottom
V7 - Option for PNG image on top of box
Added checks for minimum box dimensions
Hid values not to be edited using Customizer
V8 - Rendering options now controllable via Customizer - no need to directly edit the OpenSCAD file
Added option for coin slot on top of box (make a piggy bank)
Added option for strap attachment points on bottom of case
Made the latch slightly tighter
Added option for non-snapping latches for more secure closure
Added option for securing the latch with an M3x12mm locking screw
V9 - Added option for side latches
Created Customizer tabs for better organizing configuration options
V10- Added ruggedization option to add braces on each side that is >=60mm
V11- Added option for watertight lip and gasket (print gasket using TPU)
V12- Lip height on bottom of box is slightly raised when waterproof option is selected (as compared to V11)
Changed defaults to one latch in front and no latches on the sides, which is probably the most common usage.
V13- Increased thickness of gasket (printed with TPU), where it produces a watertight seal when used with top and bottom
printed with PETG+
V14- Added control option for inversion of PNG image
Control for image scale factor is now a slider bar in Customizer
Added control to adjust image depth
Exposed gasket parameters to Customizer - but defaults are recommended
Added control to restrict image rendering to inside and/or outside of top
Added controls to restrict text to outside of top or both inside and outside
V15 - Cleanups
V16 - See https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7303495

Where multiple versions of the OpenSCAD file are provided (e.g. Box5.scad, Box6.scad, ... Box14.scad), parts generated by all versions are compatible, where the newer versions simply add more customization options. As of V14, I have started deleted legacy versions of he OpenSCAD file, where I am now only posting the most recent two versions.