My wife uses these small sponges for washing off her make-up (I think), and needed a way to hold them (both wet and dry). They come compressed in packs of 50 pieces or so and those dry ones need to be kept away from the wet one that is in use. And, when not in use, the wet one needs to be allowed to dry. Of course, I wanted the entire set to be “sponge worthy” and so all the components nest or stack together and I added a travel size for extra value.
I am still not 100% sure how all of the parts might be used so I just made sure everything nests or stacks together. There is a gentle detent which allows the tray to be snapped onto the bottom of either Holder or upside down on the top of either Holder (as a lid). Here are some of the configuration examples…
The Design
Figuring out the “logic” of how and when the sponges get used and need to be stored was the first task. The main Holder is simple and essentially just a cylindrical column tall enough to hold 50 compressed sponges. The Separator (or Spacer) is the same diameter as the dry sponges so it can sit on top of the dry sponges allowing a wet sponge to be placed on top (keeping them separated). The Separator can also be stored under the sponges if not needed.
The Drying Tray needed to be a larger diameter because the sponges expanded once exposed to moisture. But that worked out so that the Drying Tray can be snapped onto the bottom of either Holder (for storage) or inverted on top of either Holder (as a lid). I added a groove to the underside of the Tray as well so that it can also be placed on top of either Hodler in the upright orientation. All bases are covered.
Printing
The entire set prints very easily and you may not need or want to print either one of the Holders. One of them is probably enough – unless you are married to my wife and then nothing is ever enough (I am joking honey).
I have tried to make my main print settings visible on the Cura screenshot but in case they are difficult to read I have summarized them again here…
Minimum Bed Size Required: Any bed size will do.
Material: I choose to use PETG for its durability and flexibility.
My Setup:
Nozzle = 0.4mm
My Settings:
Layer height = 0.2mm
Line width = 0.45mm
Wall count = 4 (1.6mm)
Infill = 40%
Support:
Designed to print without support.
Print Orientation: As shown in the screenshot(s).
Assembly Notes
No assembly is required.
Future
At the moment I do not have any intention of revisiting this for further development but you never know – my wife might change her mind. I mean my wife will change her mind. 🙂
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