Magnetic Beehive Key Holder

This key holder has five magnetic slots (Yellow) and many standard slots (Brown).

For the standard slots made two different key plugs; one with a loop and one with a hook.

In all cases they fit fine but standard plugs are a little deeper to compensate the lack of magnetic force. Anyway, in either case the plugs won’t fall from the hive. Easy to plug and unplug, not too loose nor tight.
Colors help match and differentiate those who hold a magnet, but you can print it in the same color as well.

As for the magnets I used two types of Neodymium Rare Earth Magnets (they are really strong):

BaseWall.stl: 15mm diameter and 1.7mm height
KeyMagnetic.stl: 12mm diameter and 2.7mm height

I purchased a kit with many magnets at Amazon, many similar kits available: https://www.amzn.com/B07D1QPS1N

You can print the base and the standard hook plugs and add the magnets at a later time (or never :) )

Hope you find it useful and look forward to seeing your make!

Print instructions

Some recommendations for the printing process. Please read before 😊

There are four files available:

• WallBase.stl: 3hours 17 minutes
• KeyMagnetic: ~15 min each
• KeyStandard: ~12 min each
• KeyHook: ~20 min each

WallBase:

The wall base has no special requirements, still I used two colors that will help differentiate the slots with magnets from the standard ones. This comes handy when you´re using these two different plugs.

Due to the height of the magnets the plugs are different in height.

While they are interchangeable swapping won’t look as elegant.

You can tape this part to the wall or use screws. I went for reusing screws from previous holder. Just drill the holes in the hive or edit the STL to match your needs.

As for the magnets the file comes with 5 slots prepared for 15mm neodymium magnets. They are strong and slimmer and hence ideal for this. You the Magnets fit tight and there´s no need to glue them. In fact you can print and start using the hive and add them at a later time.

IMPORTANT: As a general recommendation pls verify the polarity of the magnets before you snap them into the hive. And ensure that all magnets in the hive and all magnets in the plugs are aligned so that they not only attract themselves but also that you can use any plug on any hive slot.

You can pair them outside, mark them and then add to the hive and plugs.

Printing with two colors not only gives the hive a resemblance with real honey buy also helps identify the magnetic slots from the others. In this example the yellow ones holds a magnet, the brown ones do not.

To achieve this I used a filament change at layer 1.6.
That is that 1.6 is the first layer printed in yellow.

You can add it manually or use Prusa Color-Print page in https://www.prusaprinters.org/color-print/

Note in the image how some magnets holes are being covered with a new color.

KeyMagnetic:

This plug holds a 12mm magnet that will pair to the hive magnets.

For the print process I recommend spacing the plugs at least 20 mm from each other (assuming you print a batch of them) to reduce the effect of the magnets at the time of inserting them into the print.

Also recommend that you add a brim of 3 mm to increase adhesion to the bed since you´ll be applying some force to insert the magnets.

To insert the magnets I suggest adding a color change at layer 3.8. (That is that 3.8 is the first layer printed in brown)
Layer 3.8 is the first to cover the magnet, if you miss it you won´t be able to insert the magnet.

Note that the magnets should fit in the hole. Take case they don´t get over the last layer for the nozzle may hit them. Press firmly to place them in the hole and if needed use a tool to push them down.

Also make sure you don´t move the bed in the process.

You may ask: "Why don´t you just make a plug with a hole in the bottom and just glue the magnet?". Well, a hidden magnet is kind of more sexy... :P

KeyStandard:

Nothing special here, just print :)

KeyHook:

In this one I used support just in case. Nothing special aside from that.

Hope you can print and enjoy this model.
Even Magnetic Marvin like to stick around :)
Comments and suggestion are more than welcomed and look forward to seeing your make published!