Magnetic inserts for Acrylic Glass Panels (Plexi)

In my case I made this for the Ikea Kallax, but it can be used for any size of bookcase. My main reason is that I don't want dust to gather on my models.

List of Materials per Panel:

• M3 screws 4pcs, 16mm (Or you can use double sided tape)
• Magnets (w:6mm x h:3mm)
• Acrylic panel 3 mm thick, other dimensions depend on your bookcase size.
• Printed parts:
  • 4 Shelf Mount Corners
  • 4 Plexi Insert Corners
  • 1 Handle (choose one of the 3 different types)
• Optional: Glue or double sided tape if you find the parts to be to loose (I only used some double sided tape for the handle)

Calculating your acrylic panel size:

I looked at the dimensions for the Kallax, they are 33.5cm. I ordered glass panels sized 33.2cm, but 33.3cm woould have worked as well. So I recommend to subtract 1 to 1.5mm for each side, so 2 to 3mm in total.

How to install:

! FIRST DO A TESTPRINT TO SEE IF THE CORNERS FIT !

First you can just print it all without supports, the Plexi Insert Corners are pre-supported. So these will need to be cleaned out.

The screw holes might struggle a bit printing, but I oriented the parts so it has a nice smooth visible side, and then screws will hide the holes anyway.

When putting in the magnets, make sure you all orient them the same way. What I did was just start of by putting in one into a insert corner, then take a mount corner and first use the other magnet to align them. But any other method can work.

You might struggle to get the magnets in and it might look like this:

I tried pressing them in by hand, but ran into some issues, but I want them to be really pressed in there so I do not need glue to attach them. So I used a slip joint plier to get them in.

For the mount corner it is easy, you wont damage a visible area really so just use the pliers:

For the insert corners we need to be a bit more carefull. What I did was insert a piece of plexi in the corner so you don't crack the corner, and I used to paper towel to make sure I don't damage the visible side of the corner:

The result:

Now to install it in the bookcase you can use the measuring buddy to always have the correct distant to screw the mount corner in (or use double sided tape)

What is left is just installing the corners and handle onto the plexiglass. They should easily go in and for me they are very sturdy. The handle for me was not strong enough to hold these big plexi plates so I added some double sided take inside the insert and it easily holds the panel now. You could use some strong glue but some glues discolour your panels, so make sure you check what glue to use.

You can choose any of the handle types, I just added some for the side that will nicely fit on the corner so it looks more clean, but this is whatever you want. I think the center handle might be the easiest to use, but I liked it more on the side.

That's it, you did it! Hope you like the project! It does take some time to install, take your time so you don't break anything.

I made some cable guides for the Kallax before but they do not work with this design, so I will be making them on a later date and I will be adding that project as well, stay tuned. This will take a few months.