AA Battery Magazine

AA Battery Magazine

AA battery holder in an AR-15 magazine design, not your typical battery holder!! Tested to hold approximately 10-12 batteries.  

The AAA version can be found at:  https://makerworld.com/en/models/506368#profileId-422086

A stand designed for your desk or wall can be found at:  https://makerworld.com/en/models/625511#profileId-549910

**Update 2-14-26**

Updated the magazine shell and slide to reduce binding as the slide moves.  Also revised the spring per another users suggestion of adding a rounded corner where the spring changes direction.

**Update 6-9-25**

Updated the magazine shell.  At the top, front there was a gap in the model between the slide rails where it meets the sloped platform at the front.  This was brought to my attention by a user having issues with it catching the nozzle and causing the print to fail.  I also added a Bottom Clip in a new orientation for printing.  The new Bottom Clip is set at an angle with one tree support allowing the supports inside the groove to be deleted.  It should also provide a stronger part reducing failure as it slides on to the shell.

**Update 7-14-24**

Supports for the bottom clip were not automatically generating to support the groove.  I have updated the profile to force supports.

**Update 7-13-24**

After many attempts to print a spring that will last and keep it's tension after being loaded for a while, I have figured out a better solution that will last much longer.  Unfortunately, it's not a printed solution.  I used some ½" metal pallet strapping and bent it to match the long ‘Z’ printed spring design and length.  The only tool you'll need to make the bends is a pliers.  I did use some double sided tape to attach it to the slide to make it easier to insert.  The rest of the components do not change.  I'll post a picture of the spring soon.  

If you have access to used pallet strapping that is ½" or 5/8" wide and about 24" long (13mm - 16mm wide x 600mm), that should work.  

Here's a link to the strapping I found on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZP81771?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

**Update 7-3-24**

Based on some user comments a couple components have been revised slightly.  

• The main shell top slot has been revised to allow a battery to slide in from the top instead of the front.  
• The front sloped area has also been revised to remove a small ridge that can prevent a battery from sliding all the way out.  
• I have also included another option for the slide that is shorter and not as deep to help in sliding up and down.
• I am still working on a better option/configuration for the spring and will upload when ready.

Design

The internal slide is supported by a printed spring. The spring works best printed in PETG which is more flexible and will retain it's shape better and for a longer period of time. The bottom cap is removable and is held in place with a locking tab that works the same way an actual AR-15 magazine locks in place.

The slots in the back show how many batteries are in the magazine.

Assembly

The magazine is very easy to assemble. The spring will friction fit into the bottom of the slide. The two piece spring option does have a top and bottom. The longer spring section has a taller flat section that is meant top be at the bottom for support of the lock clip. The two pieces can be glued, melted or double sided adhesive tape together to make it one spring.

Insert the slide into the bottom of the shell and let it slide up to the top. The locking clip goes in next and you'll have to hold the clip and spring down to slide the bottom cap on. The bottom cap slide from the front of the magazine to the rear (the open slots) and will click in place when the tab on the clip pops into the slot in the cap. The next step is to load the batteries!!!

Printing

I have printed all the components using PLA and it works great. I suggest printing the spring in PETG since it is a more flexible material. The color of the spring really doesn't matter since you will not see it unless you open up the magazine. I would print a couple springs right away to have a spare. I don't have much information on how long the plastic spring will keep it's tension.

I am working on different ways of doing the spring. The springs used in the real AR-15 magazines will fit and will work with the printed parts of this magazine. They can be purchased online from many different stores.

• The shell is set up to print vertical and has an internal brim.
• The slide is set up to not use supports in the new version.
• The bottom cap is set up using Tree auto supports. I use an exacto knife or sharp pick to remove it after it's printed.
• The provided .3mf file does have all this setup and placed on a plate.

All the components fit on one sheet on my P1S. I have printed the slide and bottom clip in a different color to accent them. I am working on a profile for the A1 Mini. If you want to try printing it before I can get it uploaded, you should only have to scale the magazine shell down to 179 - 180mm. Make sure to uncheck the ‘Uniform Scale’ and only shorten the height. Everything should still fit and slide.

This model works but is always being tweaked and improved. Please let me know of any issues and/or any items needing improvement!!