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3D Printing Tips for Boxes, Lids & Baskets (STL/OBJ)
Use the Container Builder above to create a 3D printed box STL (with or without a lid/lip) or a textured basket.
Export a ready-to-print STL or OBJ and follow these settings for strong, clean, support-smart prints.
Measure, Fit & Scaling
- Internal size: If your box must fit specific items, enter the item dimensions and add clearance (0.3–0.6 mm per side) in the app.
- Lid fit: For a lid with a retention lip, allow 0.2–0.4 mm radial clearance (total 0.4–0.8 mm) between lip and box wall.
- Scale in the app: Rebuild to the final size in the app. Scaling in the slicer can thin walls/lips and distort text or textures.
Orientation & Supports
- Box (no side text): Print open side up for a support-free interior and flat, strong base.
- Box with raised/engraved side text: Side text may introduce overhangs. Use supports touching build plate only with low density and add support blockers to keep interiors clean.
- Lid with lip: Print top surface down (on the bed) for the cleanest visible surface; enable elephant-foot compensation or use a light brim if adhesion is marginal.
- Basket option: Handles and certain textures will almost certainly need supports. Tree supports at low density work well; keep them off the interior with blockers.
When Your Slicer Asks to Repair
If your slicer prompts to repair the mesh, accept the recommended fix. Repairs close tiny gaps/non-manifold edges and typically improve printability without changing visible geometry.
Recommended Slicer Settings (FDM/FFF)
- Nozzle: 0.4 mm
- Layer Height: 0.16–0.20 mm (0.12 mm for showcase lids/text detail)
- Perimeters (Walls): 3–4 (≈1.2–1.6 mm) for sturdy boxes and lip strength
- Top/Bottom: 5–7 layers (≈1.0–1.4 mm total) for a smooth, rigid base and lid
- Infill: 15–30% (Grid/Gyroid). Heavier loads → closer to 25–30%.
- Speed: 45–60 mm/s. For crisp text/texture, slow external walls to 35–45 mm/s.
- Material: PLA for easy printing; PETG for durability/flex; ASA/ABS for heat resistance.
Support Tuning (when needed)
- Style: Tree supports (if available) reduce scarring on curved handles and textures.
- Density: 10–12% with an interface layer for easy removal.
- Overhang threshold: 50–60°. Raise slowly until bridges/overhangs look clean in preview.
- Blockers: Place support blockers to keep interiors and the lip channel free of supports.
Fit, Finish & Durability
- Enable elephant-foot compensation or slightly reduce first-layer line width to prevent tight lids.
- Lightly chamfer or sand lid edges/lip channel for smooth action.
- For load-bearing boxes, choose PETG, 4 walls, and 25–30% infill.
Design a 3D printed box STL with lid or a basket STL in minutes. Export, slice with support-smart settings,
and print containers that fit perfectly—with optional raised or engraved text on any side.
