Summary

Stackable Screw-Top Containers: The Perfect Solution for...

"A world without containers is chaos."

– Rudolph Schmantz*

Sometimes, you find yourself drawn to a project for reasons you can't quite explain. Maybe it's just because it's something you feel compelled to create. That's exactly how it was with these containers. In hardware stores, you often see polyethylene containers used for screws, bolts, and other small items. They're great, but printing them without supports on a 3D printer is nearly impossible.

I couldn't get the idea out of my head to create something similar but adapted for 3D printing. So, I decided to make containers for storing 75mm sanding discs. Although I already had similar containers with individual lids, I knew that containers are a universal storage solution. You can use them for screws, paper clips, beads, fishing hooks, and much more.

That's why I made two versions: one with a window in the bottom to see the type of sandpaper and one completely closed. These containers stack by using a symmetrical bottle thread at both the top and bottom. The five-start thread is designed for easy screwing and a smooth profile, which allows for printing without supports and layer distortions.

After sharing my idea with a friend, he suggested that the containers could also be used to store spices. Suddenly, my filament spool was disappearing fast! Spices tend to take up a lot of space in the kitchen cupboard, but with these containers, everything becomes more compact. For spices, I created a third, more airtight version with a gasket. Recently, I’ve been making gaskets from 1.8mm diameter foam rubber cord, which ensures the container is completely sealed.

Printing and Materials

I recommend using rigid plastics for printing since the containers have thin walls to conserve material. For instance, PLA, like the matte ePLA from eSUN, offers excellent rigidity. This material is not only strong but also comes in a series of pastel tones that I find very pleasing. Of course, the choice of material and how you print is entirely up to you.

The containers come in various heights, and you can download other sizes and the preset file parameters here .

Conclusion

I'm committed to developing my projects and actively sharing my work across various platforms. Many people understand why I do this, and there's no secret to it.

*Rudolph Schmantz is, of course, a fictional character, but I thought it was amusing... I've used a slogan like this a few times before!