If you use a 3D printer you will eventually end up with an empty filament reel, this can either be sent to the recycler or reused for some other purpose.

In this case I reused a filament reel as a tea holder although it could be used to hold a variety of other small items.

Supplies

M2.5 x 12mm machine or Allen screws - Qty 5

M2.5 Plain flat washers - Qty 5

Filament PLA (red, yellow and green)

Filament reel dimensions are:

Diameter: ~196mm

Central Hole: ~72mm

Inner Height: ~54mm

Inner Width: ~58mm

As measured to the nearest millimetre.

Be aware that many different filament reel sizes exist and to check the sizes comform with these 3D elements, prior to printing.

May prove more cost effective to buy a range of values rather than individual values unless you already have them available. Some components may also have a MOL greater than the quantity specified in the component list.

Tools

3D Printer

2mm drill bit

Drill

Pliers

Screwdriver or Allen Keys

Sanding paper

Needle files

Know your tools and follow the recommended operational procedures and be sure to wear the appropriate PPE.

No affiliation to any of the suppliers used in this project, feel free to use your preferred suppliers and substitute the elements were appropriate to your own preference or subject to supply.

Links valid at the time of publication.

Step 1: Design

The 3D printed elements for the tea holder were designed using BlocksCAD and consists of the following:

1: Base

2: Bottom

3: Lid

4: Draw (The radial draw for which 5 are required).

These create a 6 compartment (5 radial draws and a central container), tea holder with storage for ~35 tea bags*; made from a empty filament reel. However, the central container could be used to hold dry sweeteners or alternatively loose tea which would reduce the storage capacity to ~25 bags*

*Tea bag quantities are based on neat layered storage for round bags of ~68mm in diameter, although these could equally be square. More or less could be stored based on the size and the degree of compression, although too many bags could compromise opening and/or closing of the draws/container.

The elements of the tea holder are printed in PLA using three colours (red, yellow and green).

For longterm use utilise certified compliant food safe materials and practices regarding the filament, nozzle, bed and application of surface coatings etc.

The elements in the files are orientated as they will be printed.

Step 2: Radial Draws

The radial draws are in the shape of a pie segment from a hollow cylinder.

With a vertically orientated half cylinder handle and with a slot in the bottom into which a M2.5 x 12mm machine screw with compatible washer is fitted to retain the draw in place when fully opened.

Size: 113.5 x 76.3 x 53 mm

Weight: 24g

Print Time: ~3hrs per draw.

Print Details.

Draws

Layer Height: 0.15mm

Infill Density: 100%

Base Adhesion: Skirt

No supports.

Step 3: Central Compartment

The central compartment consists of two circular parts (a bottom and a lid), both with an interference fit to hold them in place and a lip to prevent over insertion.

The lid contains finger inserts to enable insertion and extraction.

Bottom.

Size: 80 x 80 x 10mm

Weight: 10g

Print Time: ~ 1hr

Lid.

Size: 80 x 80 x 20mm

Weight: 13g

Print Time: ~1hr 15min

Print Details.

Bottom and lid.

Layer Height: 0.15mm

Infill Density: 100%

Base Adhesion: Skirt

No supports.

Step 4: Base

The base consists of a ring on which the completed unit sits. This has five holes into which the retaining screws for the draws are fitted. Securing both the draws and the ring in place.

Size: 179 x 179 x 10mm

Weight: 46g

Print Time: ~5hrs

Print Details.

Layer Height: 0.15mm

Infill Density: 50%

Base Adhesion: Skirt

No supports.

Step 5: Post Processing

Some sanding may be required to remove surface aberrations particularly with regard to the inner surfaces of the bottom and lid.

Step 6: Assembly

The container bottom is inserted into the centre of the reel and simply pushed into place.

The same applies to the lid.

Regarding the draws.

Align the base ring, centrally on the designated side of the reel which will sit face down and tape in place.

With a 2mm drill bit make 5 holes using the base ring as a template.

Pass the washer over the screw and the screw through the slot in the draw with the head on the inside. Tighten the screw such that is passes through the side of the reel and through the hole in the base ring. Repeat the process for the other four draws.

Step 7: Usage

Fill the draws with your favoured tea or teas and the central compartment as suites your requirements.

Be sure not to fill the radial draws with loose items that can fit througfh the slot in the draws to prevent the contents escaping or jamming the draw.