I am excited to share this design of a magnet organizer with magnet tubes. This carousel-style storage solution keeps your magnets neatly arranged and easily accessible. Each magnet tube can hold magnets with diameters ranging from 1 to 15 mm.
It is a modular design — you can choose the size of the organizer and the magnet tubes that match the diameter of your magnets. And you can also add an optional rotating baseplate.
Why store your magnets in this magnet organizer?
If you’ve ever purchased a variety of magnets, you know how challenging they are to store. The original packaging often sticks together, making them difficult to handle and locate the right sizes. Magnets can also break if they collide too forcefully.
With this organizer:
- Each magnet size is stored in its own magnet tube, keeping them apart and protected from damage.
- The magnet tubes are clearly organized and easy to access.
- You can locate and use the right size magnet effortlessly.
Say goodbye to clutter and frustration — this is the perfect solution for organizing your magnets!
Boost Me (for free)
If you like my design, I’d highly appreciate if you would support my work with a boost. Your support motivates and helps me to improve this design and add new features.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR ORGANIZER:
The magnet organizer is available in three sizes. All of them have a knob on top for easy rotation. The magnet tubes and tube caps are a mix and match. To set up your magnet organizer, following these steps:
- Choose the size of your magnet organizer (also referred to as the base or carousel).
- Decide whether to add a rotating baseplate.
- Mix and match:
- Choose the magnet tubes that match the diameter of your magnets.
- Choose the tube caps (with embedded or extruded labels) that match the size of your magnets.
For more details on these options, please read the full description.
PRINT PROFILES:
I have published the following print profiles:
- Magnet tube organizer (Ø125): Includes the complete carousel design for storing 12 magnet tubes.
- Magnet tube organizer (Ø105): Includes the complete carousel design for storing 10 magnet tubes.
- Magnet tube organizer (Ø95): Includes the complete carousel design for storing 8 magnet tubes.
- Magnet tubes (Ø1-15mm): Includes fourteen magnet tubes for magnets with a diameter of 1 to 15 mm, with extruded labels (single-color) on the bottom.
- Tube caps (with embedded labels): Includes caps for the magnet tubes, with embedded labels (multi-color) on top. These labels are editable.
- Tube caps (with extruded labels): Includes caps for the magnet tubes, with extruded labels (single-color) on top. These labels are fixed and cannot be edited.
- Support parts: Includes a tryout for the ball bearing insert of the rotating baseplate.
For more details on these print profiles, please read the full description.
FILAMENT & BUILD PLATE:
I printed this design with PLA Matte (black and orange/green/blue) from Bambu Lab. But PLA Basic or any other brand/type of filament will work as well. PLA Matte is a little bit more brittle. PLA Basic is stronger and more precise. Two colors give some extra touch to the design. Just pick the colors you like.
I use the Textured PEI Plate for the base and magnet tubes. And I use a Smooth PEI Plate for the caps. Because the tube caps are printed upside down, the labels on the caps tend to have a cleaner finish when printed on a smooth PEI plate compared to a textured one. But eventually it this comes down to personal preference.
Although I have shared photos with caps printed on a Textured PEI Plate, I am slowly re-printing all my caps on a smooth plate. I will create- and upload new photos as soon as I can.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
MAGNET TUBE ORGANIZER
- The magnet tube organizer is available in three sizes:
- A magnet tube organizer (Ø125 mm) that holds 12 magnet tubes.
- A magnet tube organizer (Ø105 mm) that holds 10 magnet tubes.
- A magnet tube organizer (Ø95 mm) that holds 8 magnet tubes.
- For each magnet tube organizer, I have published a print profile that has two build plates:
- Plate 1: includes a base + knob. These parts are required.
- Plate 2: includes a baseplate + washer. These parts are optional and only required if you want to add a rotating mechanism. This does require a ball bearing. Read the full description below.
MAGNET TUBES
- The inside height of a magnet tube is 102mm. Which provides sufficient spacing for example:
- 102x Ø8x1 mm
- 51x Ø15x2 mm
- 34x Ø15x3 mm
- 25x Ø15x4 mm
- 20x Ø15x5 mm
- …
- One print profile includes fourteen magnet tubes that support the following magnet diameters:
- Ø1, Ø2, Ø3, Ø4, Ø5, Ø6, Ø7, Ø8, Ø9, Ø10, Ø11, Ø12, Ø13, Ø14 and Ø15 mm.
- This is a mix and match. Select and print the magnet tubes that match your magnet diameters.
- The objects (parts) in the print profile are labeled so you can identify their inner diameter. In Bambu Handy or your slicer of choice (e.g. Bambu Studio), just deselect the objects you don't want to print, as illustrated below.
- Make copies of an object if you want to print more.
TUBE CAPS
- I have published two print profiles that include tube caps. You can choose between the following:
- Tube caps with extruded labels: This is a single-color print. Just deselect the caps you don't need to print. These labels cannot be edited.
Tube caps with embedded labels: This is a multi-color print. Just deselect the caps you don't need to print. These labels are editable. If a label you need is missing, you can clone an object and edit the text, as illustrated below. Always ensure the text has a different color before printing.
- This is a mix and match. Select and print the tubes cabs that match your magnet sizes.
- The base and tube caps can be printed without support. The magnet tubes must be printed with an outer brim. The magnet tubes can be printed without the brim, but because they have extruded labels on the bottom, there is a slightly less bed adhesion. And for moving bed plates (like the A1) it is best to use this outer brim.
MAGNETS
- If magnets somehow get stuck inside a tube, there’s a small cutout at the bottom of each tube. You can use a tool (like a screwdriver) to lift the magnets out.
- It is best to position your magnets with the same orientation (north or south pole) in the magnet tubes, especially with strong magnets. Otherwise, some magnet tubes will float. You should try it out — it's quite funny :)
ROTATING BASEPLATE
- If you want to add a rotating baseplate you need a Deep Groove Ball Bearings (6004ZZ). You can find this type everywhere, including the Bambu Lab store. And optionally an M4 flat head cap screw and nut, which is 25-30mm long.
- You can also use a 6004RS (with rubber seal) or 6004 (without seal). A 6004-2Z is the same as a 6004ZZ, only a different naming convention by some brands (like SKF).
- I have experimented with many different ball bearings. Although this type looks large at first, this is the most stable (and durable) type for this design. The 6004** is also a common type and affordable. This ball bearing is also available in the Bambu Lab store. Smaller size bearings cause wobble and scraping on the bottom plate, especially when the base is unevenly loaded and with heavier magnets.
- Be aware that this rotating mechanism is exceptionally smooth. The rotation is nice, but some may find this annoying.
- The ball bearing inserts tight, which is normal. I have ensured that there is a perfect tolerance with PLA Matte and PLA Basic. This ensures there is a tight fit to avoid wobbling. And the bearing won't fall out. If for whatever reason you think you have to much play, you can secure the bearing to the baseplate by using the washer, a screw and nut.
- A 6004** bearing will fit. But if you are uncertain your print will have the right tolerance to fit the bearing properly, I have published a print profile for support, which includes a small template (cutout section) of rotating mechanism. This part is not required, but you can use this to try and fit your bearing. This way you can verify that your print has the proper tolerance to fit the ball bearing.
SOME OTHER THINGS
- If you want to have a smooth top surface of the base, you can use the ‘ironing’ feature. This ensures you will have a smooth surface, which turns out better then the other patterns. I haven't added this to the profile, because I am not sure if this works well on every printer.
- I started this design with the large carousel that holds 12 magnet tubes. But I also really like the smaller version that holds 8 magnets tubes. It feels like the perfect form factor, and most usage of filament. If you have a lot of magnets, you can think big, but maybe it is a better option to print two smaller versions.
- Some users suggest hollowing out the inside of the base to save filament. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. A larger internal cavity results in a larger inside wall, which requires almost the same amount of filament rather than less. The tube slots also have a lot of walls that requires filament. I experimented with multiple designs that have a larger internal cavity, and measured filament consumption. It only saves around 20 grams of filament. But it adds complexity to the design and introduces challenges with overhang. My findings indicate that the best approach is to reduce the sparse infill of the base rather than modifying other parts. I have set the base infill to 10%, but you can reduce it slightly further if needed, but not the other parts. However, keep in mind that some weight is necessary at the center of gravity, particularly for the rotating mechanism. And if your base has less infill, strong magnets can forcefully break some parts. Be aware that magnet with a 12mm diameter or larger, can slam into the slots. So the bottom plate requires enough infill. Please read the description in the print profiles.
ASSEMBLY:
The assembly goes as follows:
- Print the base + knob (build plate 1) of the magnet tube organizer and screw the knob to the carousel.
- Print the desired magnet tubes, remove the brims, and insert your magnets.
- Print the desired tube caps and screw them onto the magnet tubes.
- Insert the magnet tubes into the organizer.
- Give me a thumbs up :)
ROTATING BASEPLATE
If you want to add a rotating baseplate you need a ball bearing. Although it is not required, you can secure the ball bearing to the baseplate with a 4mm screw and nut. See the ‘additional information’ in this description for more information.
Preferably you first insert the ball bearing in the base, and then you insert the baseplate in the ball bearing. But if you want to secure the bearing to the baseplate with a screw and nut, you need to flip this order. The following describes those two orders.
Order 1: Add a rotating baseplate:
- Print the baseplate (build plate 2) of the magnet tube organizer.
Push the ball bearing perfectly straight into the bottom of the base. Ensure that is flat and level with the bottom surface.
- Push the baseplate perfectly straight through the inner side of the ball bearing. Ensure that the baring is flat with the base.
Order 2: Add a rotating baseplate (and secure the ball bearing with a screw and nut)
- Print the baseplate + washer (build plate 2) of the magnet tube organizer.
- Push the ball bearing perfectly straight on baseplate. Ensure the bearing is flat and level.
- Put the washer on top of the ball bearing.
Insert a screw through the baseplate and washer and secure it with a nut.
Push the ball bearing into the bottom of the base. Ensure that is flat with the bottom surface.
NOTE: If you secured the bearing to the baseplate with a screw and nut and later want to untighten or tighten the nut; you can either carefully remove the bearing from the base or unscrew the knob on top. The inside is hollow so you can reach the nut through the top of the base.
FEEDBACK & SUPPORT:
I hope you like this design. I'd love to hear if and how you were able to use this magnet organizer. Feel free to share a photo and leave your feedback in the comments.
A lot of time, effort and material went into this design. If you like it, I’d highly appreciate it if you’d give me a thumbs up or support me with a boost. Your support encourages me to make improvements and add new features to this design.
NEXT PROJECTS/VERSIONS:
I am already thinking about newer/additional features, such as follows:
- Square-style bases (magnet tube holders)
- 3D printed ball bearing - Nice to have
Follow me to stay updated on new uploads and designs. Happy printing!
UPDATES:
22-03-2025: I have updated the print profiles of the tube caps to version 1.12. Upon request, I have added tube caps (both embedded and extruded) with the labels Ø1x2, Ø1x3, Ø1x4, Ø1x5. I also added a two new print profile for the A1 mini, with tube caps (embedded and extruded labels).
- 30-01-2025: I have updated the print profile of the magnet tubes to version 1.11. Upon request I have added a magnet tube for magnets that have a 1mm diameter.
- 17-01-2025: I have updated the print profile of the tube caps (with embedded labels) to version 1.11. I have rotated the text 180° so that they face the right direction when you screw them on the tubes.
11-01-2025: I have updated the design and print profile of the magnet organizer (carousel-style base) to version 1.1. And I have also published two new print profiles that include smaller sizes. This design now has an optional rotating mechanism, which requires a Deep Groove Ball Bearings (6004ZZ). This ball bearing is also available in the Bambu Lab store. The base now also uses slightly less filament.
I would highly appreciate it if you would give me feedback when the rotating mechanism works. If not, please contact me directly. This will help me close this feature or improve the design.
- 26-12-2024: Started to use version numbers to avoid confusion. I also renamed the filenames.
- 20-12-2024: I have published two new print profiles which includes tube caps with labels. You can choose between two options. Tube caps with embedded labels (multi-color), and tube caps with extruded labels (single-color). The caps with embedded labels are editable.
