Refrigerator ballast frame - small

This water ballast functions as a thermal buffer, stabilizing temperatures in cold chain refrigerators. Located above the storage baskets, this container, filled with water ice packs, uses its high thermal mass to absorb heat and preserve the cold. When the main lid is opened—for inspecting, checking temperature monitors, or other reasons—the ballast acts as both a physical and thermal barrier. It prevents warm ambient air from directly reaching the vaccines and helps mitigate sudden temperature rises. This setup is essential for maintaining the strict temperature requirements of the cold chain, offering extra "holdover time" during frequent door openings or brief power interruptions.

Manufacturing instructions

• Material: PETG

• 3D Printer: Any FDM 3D printer with the minimal build plate size 200x200mm

• Slicer settings: 4 perimeters to increase strength, support needed – everywhere

• Post processing instructions: Remove supports (do not forget to remove supports from inside), clean the parts from stringing if needed, check if the parts slides into each other as per assembly instructions.

Assembling instructions

1. Slide the left part and the right parts into the middle part fully.

2. Insert the 3pcs of 0.4l icepacks in left, right and middle parts. The product is designed to be used with PCOLPACKW04 (ICE PACK empty (Gio'Style) 0.4l, for water).

3. Slide the Slider 1 and Slicer 2 to hold the icepacks in place.

4. Insert the Lock 1 and Lock 2 from the top (mind the orientation of the grove – inside)

QC procedures

1. Visual inspection:

   1. Ensure that the surface is smooth, especially parts which were supported by supports.

   2. Sometimes the corners detach during the printing – check if the bottom and top surface is flat.

2. Dimensional validation:

   1. Check dimensions of assembled item using the drawing below.

3. Tolerance inspection:

   1. When assembling parts should slide into each other easily but hold firmly.

   2. Ice packs should have around 1-2mm tolerance on each side, when turned upside down they should not fall.

   3. When the frame with icepacks is inserted into the basket of the refrigerator, it should slide in freely with approximately 5-10mm space on each side

   4. The frame with icepacks cannot obstruct the fridge door from closing fully.