A handy 3D script and guide to adjusting the parameters to make a custom tray to store your batteries or other cylindrical objects in a compact manner.
There's a longer video with more details about using this script here:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPa_6s1Vmjc
Openscad is a very interesting piece of open source software that lets you create 3D objects with a raw scripting language, allowing complex results from very tight code.
The openscad software can be downloaded here:-
https://openscad.org/
The script for this project is included at the bottom of this description. You literally just copy and paste it into the text box of openscad to adjust it as desired, and create your own custom STL file for your 3D printing system.
The six variables you can adjust are:-
Width - The number of battery cups wide.
Height - The number of battery cups high.
Depth - The depth of the battery cups.
Diameter - The internal diameter of the cups - slightly wider than your battery.
Thickness - The thickness of the cup walls.
Base - The thickness of the base.
When adjusting the values, be careful not to remove the "=" and ";" as they are part of the script.
To see your changes quickly, press the box with two arrows.
To build the final object press the box with an hourglass in it.
To save your custom STL file press STL. (After building with the hourglass button.)
The STL file can then be used with your preferred slicer (I use Cura) to make the gcode file for your choice of 3D printer.
I recommend making a single test cup (1X1) to test sizes before making a bigger tray of them.
You can also just choose a width and height of 1 to make a single large cup for other purposes.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
#ElectronicsCreators
Here's the openscad script. Copy and paste the text below into openscad to use it.
//Custom battery tray - bigclivedotcom
$fn=50;
//You can adjust these variables.
width=4; //number of horizontal cups
height=4; //number of vertical cups
depth=10; //internal depth of cups
diameter=15; //diameter of cylinder AA=15 AAA=11
thickness=1; //thickness of wall
base=1; //thickness of cup bases
//don't adjust stuff below here
columns=width-1;
rows=height-1;
wall=thickness*2;
dia=diameter+thickness;
cup=depth+base;
difference(){
union(){
//main body
for (x=[0:columns]){
for (y=[0:rows]){
translate([x*dia,y*dia,0])
cylinder(h=cup,d=diameter+wall);
}
}
}
//hollow cores
for (x=[0:columns]){
for (y=[0:rows]){
translate([x*dia,y*dia,base])
cylinder(h=cup,d=diameter);
}
}
}

Here's something new, it's a youtube short that actually includes a built-in 3d printing script. If you want to make battery holders like this, for double a tripoli or indeed any cylindrical object whatsoever of any dimensional size, then take a look in the description of this short and you will find a script for openscad. If you copy and paste that into openscad it will let you choose the dimensions of your desire. This is an 8x8 double a battery holder and it will then create the file needed to 3d print your custom battery holder, or indeed any cylindrical object.

Let me know what you think in the comments down below.

13 thoughts on “Custom battery tray maker”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Bennett says:

    I just used an stl from thingyverse and printed multiple. I like that yours doesn’t seem to use as much filament and therefore print time as the one I used though.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jess Fish says:

    I think that would improve junk drawers worldwide

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gamex996 says:

    I would recommend makin it taller so batteries don't wobble

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J8n3eyr3 says:

    The way he says "any cylindrical item you may desire" has me questioning his life choices.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peffse says:

    I've been looking so hard for a NERF dart holder!

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Simon Mikkelsen says:

    Big Clive is truly fantastic!

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lorcan Adrain says:

    We need more openscad videos.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pepe The Frog says:

    I did learn OpenSCAD 2 weeks ago by messing with BigClive's scripts. Give it a try!
    I did design and print a solenoid motor to better understand. Below is the flywheel / crank. Uses 5 metal nuts to give it weight.

    // achse 5mm

    // achse 3mm, lager 8mm und 6mm
    $fn=80;

    module nut()

    {

    translate([11,-1,1])

    cylinder(r=4.25, h=5, $fn=6);

    }

    module schwungrad()

    {

    difference()

    {

    union()

    {

    cylinder(10,9,4);

    cylinder(5,16,16);

    }

    cylinder(11,2.5,2.5); //5mm achse

    translate([4.6,0,0]) //hub 9.2mm

    {

    cylinder(11,1.5,1.5); //3mm achse

    }

    }

    }

    difference()

    {

    schwungrad();

    rotate(a= -60, v=[0,0,1]) nut();

    rotate(a=-120, v=[0,0,1]) nut();

    rotate(a= 60, v=[0,0,1]) nut();

    rotate(a= 120, v=[0,0,1]) nut();

    rotate(a= 180, v=[0,0,1]) nut();

    }

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Turbo Tim's World says:

    Clive you love your open scad, I do 3d printing with fusion 360 and have know idea what your on about, SO I will download and have a scad try just for you !

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Floyd Bunsen says:

    Is there a staggered version?

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars IsaMax says:

    Handy indeed! Thanks Clive

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 1kreature says:

    The big question is: Is it better for your batteries to be stored on their side, with – down or with + down?

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RouteBGP says:

    Bye Bye crummy packaging that lets batteries fall out. Thank you Sir.

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