FAQ
TL;DR: 3D‑printed SMD organizer holds 50 strips; “practical and works well in my workshop.” Designed in FreeCAD, strips up to 85 mm (≈20 parts). [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #18242409]
Why it matters: Faster part picking and safer storage for 0805 tapes without bulky commercial bins—ideal for hobby labs and prototyping benches.
Quick Facts
- Capacity: 50 tape strips; typical strip length 85 mm with about 20 elements. [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #18242409]
- Compartment internal size: 85 × 9.5 × 2 mm (L×W×H). [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #18242732]
- Overall box size: 146.4 × 89 × 11.9 mm. [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #18242732]
- Toolchain: modeled in FreeCAD; print‑ready STL; printed on Anet A8. [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #18242409]
- Tape compatibility: works with standard SMD carrier tapes for 1206, 0603, and 0402 as well. [Elektroda, tplewa, post #18251649]
What are the exact dimensions of the organizer?
The organizer measures 146.4 × 89 × 11.9 mm. Each of the 50 compartments is 85 × 9.5 × 2 mm inside, sized for short SMD tape cuts. [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #18242732]
How many components fit per compartment on average?
Each slot accepts one 85 mm tape strip, which typically holds about 20 components for common 0805 kits. That keeps values separated and easy to grab. [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #18242409]
Can I place multiple tape strips in one compartment?
The designer discourages stacking strips in one slot due to insertion and extraction issues. Instead, dedicate adjacent compartments to frequent values or refill the organizer as needed. [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #18242732]
Will it also work for 0603, 0402, or 1206 parts?
Yes. Because carrier tapes are standardized, the same compartments accommodate tapes used for 1206, 0603, and 0402, not just 0805. [Elektroda, tplewa, post #18251649]
I don’t own a 3D printer—are there alternative storage options?
Small multi-compartment snap-lid boxes are a workable alternative. They store loose parts but lack the tape‑strip workflow this design optimizes. [Elektroda, 398216 Usunięty, post #18242928]
Is this better than cardboard tape holders?
Users report fewer accidental spills than with taped cardboard organizers. Damaged cardboard can release parts, while rigid printed slots keep strips contained. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18242898]
Could we extend to 25 items per strip or hinge multiple trays?
One user suggests lengthening to 25 items and stacking trays on a common hinge. That increases capacity but also print time and size. [Elektroda, Steryd3, post #18242857]
Is the project open for commercialization or sale?
The author shared the files for personal use and does not plan to commercialize. Wider production would improve access and price for everyone. [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #18243620]
Is 3D printing like this considered real DIY?
A respondent notes the value lies in the idea, CAD work, and iterations, not just printing. “I don’t solder the boards either, my soldering iron does that.” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18245867]
What software and printer were used?
The model was created in FreeCAD, with STL files shared. The sample unit was printed on an Anet A8 desktop FDM printer. [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #18242409]
Any gotchas when printing on budget machines?
Yes. Expect tuning and test prints. “With cheap printers it is not so beautiful,” and several iterations may land in the bin before success. [Elektroda, tplewa, post #18251649]
How do I print and start using the organizer?
- Load the shared STL files into your slicer and set typical PLA profiles.
- Print the tray on an FDM printer like the Anet A8.
- Cut 85 mm tape strips (≈20 parts), label, and slide into compartments. [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #18242409]
Can I feed components from full tapes without cutting?
Yes—community members pointed to designs that dispense directly from full tapes. These are convenient during assembly but are physically larger. [Elektroda, LA72, post #18254350]
Why might I still keep parts on original reels or big dispensers?
Large tape dispensers are space‑hungry, so they’re better for volume. For mixed small runs, compact strip organizers save bench space. [Elektroda, tplewa, post #18259633]
What’s the best way to handle popular values like 100 nF?
Allocate multiple adjacent compartments to high‑use values or store bulk reels separately and replenish the organizer when low. [Elektroda, Ty-grysek, post #18242732]
Comments
This 3D printing project makes sense to me. I haven't seen this kind of SMD boxes from a "Chinese" company. Thank you. [Read more]
What dimensions does this have? 20 pieces is a bit small in my opinion, it would be nice to be able to put 5 of these strips in one compartment. Very interesting idea. [Read more]
the whole box is 146.4 x 89 x 11.9 mm Each compartment has internal dimensions of 85 x 9.5 x 2 mm Surely this is about the most common item values? Several strips in one compartment is, in my opinion,... [Read more]
A super idea for me. Finally something I could use and would be happy to purchase (as I don't own a printer and buying and learning to print for one box is probably still overkill). I don't know how the... [Read more]
If this is the case, apart from the patent battle, I see little possibility of a fight. Because, apart from a good idea, which is itself blandly unprotected, the execution is technically very simple, so... [Read more]
In general, a very good idea, much better than cardboard or cardboard with tapes, I have a given dimension glued with tape, but it is a rather sensitive solution - the elements spill out when damaged. [Read more]
As a colleague pointed out earlier - it seems to me a much better patent to make compartments for the pieces plucked from the strip. You could fit more of them in the same capacity; and home applications... [Read more]
Patent protection in China does not actually work. Although I am not an expert on this, it has occurred to me what filing a patent looks like, how long it takes and how much it costs. Also, as far as I... [Read more]
Only the colleague is rather not interested in export to China ;) With such a patent or industrial design you can possibly fight for the local market, but it is still a battle with windmills ;) Generally,... [Read more]
Thank you all for your positive feedback. I do not intend to commercialise the idea or make money on it. The product was created for my own use and since it turned out well, I am sharing it with you.... [Read more]
To be honest, I like the idea, but do 3D printer projects where you just have to design a drawing on the computer deserve to be called DiY? Every now and then some prints appear just like on the Majserko... [Read more]
It is not just a matter of "drawing", which is not at all that trivial, but also the idea itself and its subsequent iterations, which the Author probably had to carry out. I look forward to it. ... [Read more]
Following this line of reasoning - a milling machine will do it.... A 3D printer is also a tool - just like a milling machine, I would even venture that it is more complex to use (because I don't think... [Read more]
That is some idea.... In my opinion better than bragging about prints in DiY (Author forgive me), which do not really fit into DiY as a Department. As for the milling machine vs 3D printer comparison... [Read more]
I think that we should present things that we have made ourselves. Since the author is now able to duplicate his project with a couple of buttons on a 3D printer it will still be DiY? At the moment,... [Read more]
Surely designing a 3D model does not require any skill at all and it can be done by the first better person asked around town. Honestly, I'd rather see such designs than the 64th version of the power supply... [Read more]
Yes it requires skill and knowledge, but it's just software. You design it, put it in the printer, and go to the cinema. It does itself.... By the way, I noticed something else... You got 5 pluses... [Read more]
Get a mate to invest in a printer and you'll find out for yourself how it does itself.... with cheap printers it is not so beautiful.... when you spend £15k on an Ultimaker etc it is easier but it doesn't... [Read more]
I recently saw on thingiverse a very cool project for SMD that doesn't require ribbon cutting. Link https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/7504689800_1572718950_thumb.jpg [Read more]