Small Box with Antiparallelogram Hinge

Update (2025-08-23): If you're looking for different sizes, lighter weight, or Gridfinity compatibility, try the Gridfinity Antiparallelogram Bin. If you want something nicer looking or multicolor, this box is for you. 

This little print-in-place container features a satisfying snap-action lid that swings 225 degrees. This extra range lets the lid flip all the way out of the way so the box will be stable with the lid open or shut. 

When it's closed, the bistable snap action holds the lid firmly shut. The closed box is a cube measuring 50 mm (2") in each outer dimension which makes it good for loose small items like jewelry, coins, paperclips, beads, screws, seeds, flash memory, etc. Use these to organize your desk or your junk drawer or store your kids' treasures. Just no food or liquids.

This mechanism was printed on an X1C with 0.15 mm clearances on the moving parts. In case the tight clearances are an issue on other printers I have also included a slightly looser clearance model.

The two colour print includes a liner on another build plate. It’s optional and just a cosmetic way to add more colour. If you want to make it even snazzier, set the top surface pattern of the lid to something fun like Archimedean Chords or Octogram Spiral or Hilbert Curve. Or take any flattish 3d model and add or subtract it from the lid.

History

2024-08-01: Added some optional simple designs to the lid: Heart, Fish, Star, Sprocket.