Honeycomb rack with all 3d printed parts

I took the original V1 version, and added 3D printed posts and some clips to keep multiple racks from sliding apart.
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updated May 2, 2024

Description

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Great original model, but I didn't want to have to find or buy metal posts.   The added plastic press fit posts have worked well for me, and the rack seems sturdy enough.  I also added clips to hold everything in place on your lab bench or freezer.

The posts are very tight on purpose - one time assembly intended.  The pins will most probably break if you try to remove them, so not a great design if you want to disassemble and store in a drawer, but you don't need to go order a bunch of metal posts and nuts if you just want a quick rack to hold your 50ml tubes.

 

I added the freecad models too, in case anyone needs to make some changes (pins tighter or looser, etc)

Thanks to the original designer for a great model, hopefully I made it a little easier for those of us without big parts bins to draw from!

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Model origin

The author remixed this model.

Differences of the remix compared to the original

The original design was great, but I wanted to 3 print the entire rack, so I added some simple tap in posts and some clips to keep multiple racks from sliding apart.  You only need one top and one bottom, plus 4 posts and 2-4 clips per connected rack (depending on how they are placed together).   

Since I only have one upper frame, I use the bottom upside-down so there is a bit of a lip to prevent the tubes from sliding out the bottom frame.

Print 1 top, 1 bottom, 4 posts, 2-4 clips per rack.  Add some supports to the rounded pins and remove/cut away after printing.  Place the bottom with the lip up on a flat surface and gently tap the pins into the holes.  The pins are very tight on purpose, press fit one time install, and might snap if you try and remove them.  Make sure the top hexagon pattern is the same as the bottom (middle outside sticks out in one direction) and line up the bottom installed posts with the holes in the top and gently tap those in also.  

Use the clips between the thicker parts of the bottom rails to keep groups of racks from sliding apart

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