Settlers of Catan Number Token - Marker Box - Updated: Addtl. Sizes

UPDATED 2025-04-07:     I made a hybrid of this design and the one listed below. The new design is the lightest of the three designs and incorporated positive elements of the other two. Here is the link:     

UPDATED 2025-04-03:     I completely redesigned these models to have a print-in-place hinge, no need for support, use less filament, have an easier and more intuitive latch, and to require very little post processing:     

UPDATED 2024-02-09:     I have added an additional size, which has a capacity of 16mm. This is used for the ten additional Seafarer's of Catan Expansion number tokens. This means that if you have the early versions of the tokens (circa 2000), 12 will fit tightly in the box; ten fit loosely. I have modified the design a little to reduce printing time, to remove a few sharp corners, and to make it so that the box will stand on either side. This model can be printed in the supplied orientation or rotated 90 degrees on its side (rotate it with the clasp side down on the print bed). Either orientation requires supports. The hinge is a tight fit, but it will fit together (with a little patience). The locking or securing strength of the clasp can be reduced by lightly and incrementally sanding or filing down the clasp button.

UPDATED:   This design has been updated in style and size. Besides the original sturdy design, which has a 38mm capacity, there are now three additional options with 38mm, 42mm and 61mm capacities, and which use ~40% less filament than the original design. The ‘capacity’ refers to how many number tokens will fit in a given number box. The original design will hold 29 of the old style, thin markers (see the next paragraph for more details). Newer game sets have slightly thicker markers. Thus, the need for wider boxes. The new 42mm version will hold the 18 thicker number markers that come with newer versions of the base or basic game. The 61mm box will hold the 29 thicker number markers from a newer expanded game set. I do not know when the game publisher made the change to thicker tokens. To know which box will fit the number markers in your set, stack them and measure them, then print the box that has the necessary capacity. In regard to the reduced filament requirements of the new designs, in the process of making the wider options, I set about trying to reduce unnecessary weight/material. I modified the clasps, the hinges, the bottom base, and the top and bottom openings. The end result is that the new designs use ~40% less filament, which obviously speeds up the print time considerably. The original design is definitely more sturdy, but for being a simple game token holder, its structure was over-engineered and bulky. A side benefit of reducing the material in the new designs is that it adds flexibility, which allows for tighter tolerances on the hinges and clasps, but it is easier to fit the pieces together because of the body flex. The new designs are separated into top and bottom models, whereas the original design includes the top and bottom pieces combined into one model.

Original opening paragraph:

This is a closeable, hinged holder box for the Settlers of Catan number markers/tokens. This is the fifth version and seems to have most of the design bugs ironed out. It fits all of the tokens in an expanded set (A thru Za, Zb & Zc), plus one or two extra. It is designed for the markers in my 1999 edition of the game, which are approximately 1" (25.5 mm) in diameter. I do not know if the game manufacturer has changed these specifications on more recent game sets. If they have, and you are able to modify .stl object files, you can uniformly scale the height and depth to accommodate larger or smaller number markers. You can stretch the width of the object files if your number markers are thicker. See the photos for details.

NOTE: In response to a comment that the tolerances are too loose, I made an additional model with tighter tolerances. I have not printed it, because the first model worked with my printer. If your printer is dialed in and accurate, try the model with the tighter tolerances. (Addendum: the three new updated designs have tight tolerances).

Post-Printing =============

The photos included herein show my sanded holder -- I like the texture of sanded 3D prints more. When you have printed the pieces, there will be some clean-up necessary to remove hairs and printing goop. I suggest carefully and lightly sanding the hinge and clasp balls/bubbles so that they more smoothly interface with the receiving cups. Also, be gentle and careful when snapping together the hinge. It is a little difficult, but if I made it easier, the connections would be too sloppy for my taste. Gently flexing the frame can help with assembly.

How I Designed This

I decided to make this holder because we were storing the number markers in alphabetical order, wrapped in a few rubber bands (having them in alphabetical order makes it easier to set up the standard game). It was a bit of a pain to get the rubber bands to hold in place. This holder makes the storing process much easier. I hope you enjoy.

Category: Toy & Game Accessories