Ein wunderschöner, handgeschnitzer Drache aus Bali. Gefertig innerhalb von 5 Tagen am Strand

#Shape Your World with 3D Printing Why I designed a custom model for my 18650 batteries Sometimes the best ideas come from a mixture of frustration, experimentation and the sheer joy of tinkering. So it was that I recently decided to design a custom model for my 3D printer to store my collection of 18650 batteries. But why exactly did I choose to do this? The answer lies somewhere between the utter inability of commercial solutions and my inner urge to optimize things that probably no one else thinks are problematic. The chaotic reality of my battery storage It started with a simple problem: my 18650 batteries were lying all over a drawer, scattered among ballpoint pens, old USB cables and an inexplicable number of paper clips (where do they always come from?). Every time I needed a battery, I would start an archaeological expedition, plunging my hand deep into the drawer and hoping not to get caught on something sharp. There were, of course, commercial solutions, but they were... well, let's say "unsatisfactory". They were either ugly, clunky or simply overpriced. A cheap plastic box that looked like it had been pulled out of a gumball machine for 15 euros? No thanks. The idea: Why not make it yourself? One evening, while I was once again getting annoyed about finding a battery with a charge indicator (and instead got three empty ones), I had a sudden idea: I have a 3D printer. Why not just print something myself? A battery holder that is not only practical but also stylish. Something that meets my needs exactly. Something that tames the chaotic energy of my drawer while also conveying a little bit of nerd pride. The design: A puzzle of functionality and style The planning was surprisingly fun. I didn't want a regular rectangle. Where's the excitement in that? No, I wanted my battery holder to be modular so I could expand it if I buy more batteries at some point (which is inevitable). At the same time, I wanted it to stand upright so I could put it on the shelf like a magazine rack. Oh, and of course each battery had to be individually accessible, with an easy-to-use holder that holds it securely in place. After a few sketches on a crumpled piece of paper and an extended Tinkercad session, my masterpiece was born: Each compartment has its own slot. I put empty batteries in the box upside down so they can be recognized right away. The print: Trial and error with a touch of drama Of course, not everything went smoothly. My first attempt to print the model ended in disaster: the filament spool tangled into an absurd ball. It looked like a very angry cat had tried to sabotage my workshop. But after a few adjustments and a stronger dose of patience, the printing went like clockwork. Within a few hours I had the first module of my battery holder in my hands, and I was honestly a little proud of myself. The result: order, pride and a little bit of innovation Now my 18650 batteries are neatly sorted in a box and no longer chaotically in a drawer. I finally have an overview of which batteries are charged and which are not. The best part? Every time I show someone my battery holder, I get an appreciative nod - and sometimes even the question: "Can you print me one too?" In the end, the effort was more than worth it. Not only because I now have a practical solution to my problem, but also because I was once again reminded how much fun it is to create something of my own. Besides: who can say that they are a designer of battery holders? ;)