Show and Tell 3D printed garbage bin for your 3D printer's extra 3D printed bits

[Andy]

I've always been bugged by how much small trash I make printing, like failed first layers and bed adhesion bits. Separately, I've always thought there was an opportunity for the big open space under the bed of my ender 3.
Let's bring the two together in the time-honored tradition of "using a 3d printer to upgrade itself"!



The part was actually super simple to mock up, and the space for it was way bigger than I expected--the box ended up being 100mm x 170mm x 50mm. I could probably go even a bit bigger if I wanted. Aside from a notch in the side to fit around some frame screws and a handle on the front to be fancy, it's basically a box.

I don't think I'll be making a version 2 soon, but when I do I'll probably print some sort of lid on it to keep the trash bits from coming up into the bed, and I'll definitely print it thicker--it's only some 1.5mm thick now.

 

[Eric]

Nice work! That is the perfect spot to make use of, it's never going to interfere there mechanically and it's just a void the way it comes stock. Now it's something useful! I really dig the accommodations you made for the screws on the left side of the box.

What software did you use for the design work?

 

[Andy]

Thank you! I used Fusion360. The box itself isn't going to interfere with the printer, but I can easily see scrap bits sticking up and ending up somewhere they shouldn't, which is why I'm thinking the inevitable V2 is going to have some sort of lid. Perhaps it'll be more of a drawer, or have it so only the front 1/4-1/3 is open? Honestly I just tossed it together while I was printing that business card last night and haven't looked at it since.

 

[Eric]

I like that idea of the 3/4 drawer lid so you can still stick those little bits that ooze out in while keeping the longer pieces contained. The best design accommodates for laziness and not having to pull out the drawer all the way is **chef's kiss** perfection.