Modular Storage System

I have all manner of small items in my garage and really needed a way to store and organize them. I decided to create a modular system which I can add to as well as change the way it flows in my garage.

This lead me to the initial design. It is made up of a frame (frame4), a drawer (small_drawer4), a top (top4), and name plate (name_plate2_blank). The frames can be stacked horizontally or vertically and interlock with each other via dovetail joints. The small drawer is 4" (101.6mm) x 2" (50.8mm) x 2" (50.8mm) in size. No tools needed to assemble.

NOTE: Due to the slight interference fit of the frame, different filaments, different slicers, or different printers I think anyone interested in this project would be wise to print two of the small partial frames (the gray one in the photos/ short_frame1). If they fit together on all four sides, then you know the system will work for your printer configuration.

As to my configuration it is as follows: I used a Prusa MK4S printer along with the 2.9.0 version of PrusaSlicer to create the print files. I used the default settings for Prusament PLA @ .15mm structural. There is only one change to the default print options. Enabling brim for the tops.

If you are not using PrusaSlicer, then I recommend the following settings; No bridges are needed for any of the parts. A brim is needed for the top. Using 15% infill is more than adequate. The parts are all aligned to place structural loads perpendicular to the print layers which allows full tensile strength of the filament used. This makes PLA a good choice. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

The tops (top4) are not required, but they are used to seal off the top of any column. They do stablize the frame if there is not another frame being attached and they keep debris out of the top drawers.

I am making all the STL and BGCODE files available for the complete system along with the current set of name plates. I also included a blank name plate to make it easier to create your own name plate. I will continue to add name plates as well as other drawer configurations (wider, taller….).

If you have any specific things you would like to see, then please let me know and I will be happy to provide the files.

Version 3 - Released January 9, 2025: Adding a medium sized drawer (med_drawer4), frame (med_frame4), and name plate (med_name_plate4) to the system. Also rounded the leading edge of the male dovetails to make them easier to engage. I will be retrofitting the dovetail changes to the previous release. I incorporated stops in the dovetails which will require some bridges to print. The previous design would slide all the way through. If I get any feedback indicating which would be better accepted I am not opposed to changing it back.

Version 3.1 - Released January 10, 2025: Retrofitted the rounded male dovetail leading edges on the regular frame. Also incorporated the stops. With the stops in place it is best to build the system going from right to left.

Version 4 - Released January 16, 2025: Removed the stops from the dovetails. The required support bridges created using ASA, ABS, or PC were almost impossible to clear out of the grooves. Added a two drawer frame (split_frame4), a corresponding drawer (tiny_drawer4), and name plate (tiny_name_plate4). A note about the name plate, for the smaller drawer. Due to the smaller area to create text, I suggest printing this at the highest detail possible for your printer. I used “0.10mm FAST DETAIL” on my Prusa MK4S.

Design and description by RNeese , licensed CC-BY.