Catalyst Cube

Howdy, wonderful people!

Ah, the Catalyst Capsule!  Probably my favourite magnetic closure to date because of its satisfying snap and the way that the magnets keep it from opening, but without actually taking the force of holding it closed.  I decided there needed to be a cube version!

Now, initially I set out to make a rotating cube lid that worked in exactly the same way, but as you can imagine that wasn't terribly efficient on space, since the rotating elements would necessarily occupy the corners (unless the rotation was only very short, which would be no fun.  And fun must be had!).  So, the box ended up much like a decorated cylinder, which defeated the purpose of it being a cube in the first place.

As you've no doubt noticed in the pictures, we have a different approach instead, but one that's very much inspired by the original.  Instead of a rotation, we have a linear slide - much more in keeping with the rectangularity of this model.  The four lid pins are placed into slots and the lid slides forward, magnets snapping the lid into place, but with the pins unable to pull directly upwards.

The magnets are entirely optional, and the box will still work just fine without them, but of course the lid will free slide back and forth.  It's much better with magnets!

Print Description

Regular mode print!  No supports required.  Infill percentage doesn't really matter, since it's mostly perimeter, so infill will really only affect how solid the base feels.  I used 20%

Print Dimensions

The main body is 82mm x 82mm and 65mm tall.

Supports needed?

No supports required!

Scalability

This one isn't intended to scale, and of course the magnets won't fit if you alter the size!  

The tolerances between the lid and box are fairly generous at 0.5mm, and of course those gaps will scale, too.

Optional Magnets

You'll want 6x3mm cylindrical magnets for this one!  The design will fit 8, but you could use fewer if you prefer. 

Print Orientation

The main body prints right-way-up and the lid prints upside-down.

File location

You'll find this one on Dropbox at 682 Catalyst Capsule

Link to dropbox post: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31697592

Further Thoughts

An earlier version of this model actually had the pins on the box part rather than in the lid!  It still works the same way, but it's perhaps a little odd.  Or maybe not, depending on your perspective.  This alternative version is on Dropbox too, in a subfolder, so if you're really excited you could print both :)

Happy cubing!

xoxo

Sven.