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Interlocking capsules

Capsule cups that cross each other at different heights, for pencils, notebooks and scissors.

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Interlocking capsules

What it’s for

An organizer made of several capsule-shaped cups (rectangles with rounded ends) that cross and merge with each other. Each capsule has its own length, width, height and rotation, so compartments of different heights form: tall ones for pencils, low ones for clips, long ones for rulers or scissors.

Ideas

  • Sculptural desk organizer for pencils, scissors and small notebooks.
  • Holder for cutlery or kitchen utensils.
  • Holder for brushes and craft tools.
  • Decorative centerpiece with dried plants.

Step by step

  1. Choose a preset: «Interlaced S», «Staircase of 4», «Cross» or «Fan».
  2. In the «Capsules» list adjust each one: position, length, width, height and rotation.
  3. Add new capsules or duplicate an existing one and move it to cross the others.
  4. Use «Overall scale» to enlarge or shrink the whole set without touching each capsule.
  5. Add an outer texture and export.

Tips

  • Where two capsules cross, the taller one wins: the lower one becomes a stepped compartment.
  • To keep the set from tipping over, put the tall capsules near the center and the low ones toward the outside.
  • A capsule under 25 mm wide works for loose pencils; for scissors use 35 mm or more.
  • With rotation you can build fans and crosses: 90° sets it perpendicular to the others.

Presets

Interlaced S (ref. blue)Three offset capsules forming an S, at three different heights, with ribs.
Staircase of 4Four identical parallel capsules stepping down in height like a staircase.
CrossTwo capsules crossed at 90°, of different heights, with rings.
Fused organizerThe three-capsule S fused into a single stepped container.
Cut staircaseFour capsules in a staircase, each with its own compartment.
FanThree capsules coming out of the same center, opened like a fan.

Parameters

Capsules

Each capsule is a cup with its own shape, position, height and rotation. Those that cross merge into a single part.

CapsulesList of items: add them, remove them and edit each one (some lists have a top view to move them with the mouse)

List of capsules. For each one: X and Y position of the center, length, width (the diameter of the rounded ends), height and rotation in degrees (0° lays it along the X axis). Add, remove or duplicate capsules with the list buttons.

How they combineOptions

How the capsules combine where they cross: interlaced (each wall goes through its neighbor, leaving many compartments), fused (a single container: the inner walls are removed and the tallest forms steps) or cut in order (the first in the list stays whole in front and the following ones are cut where they touch it).

Interlaced (the walls cross)Fused (a single container)Cut in order (the first in front)
Default: Interlaced (the walls cross)
Overall scaleNumber

Enlarges or shrinks the whole organizer evenly (1 = original size, 1.2 = 20 % bigger). It doesn’t change the wall or floor thickness.

0.5 to 1.6Default: 1
WallNumber

Thickness of the capsules’ walls. 1.6–2 mm is sturdy.

0.8 mm to 5 mmDefault: 2 mm
FloorNumber

Thickness of the floor. 1.6–2 mm is enough; thicker gives it weight and stability.

0.8 mm to 5 mmDefault: 2 mm

Outer texture

Decorative relief on the outer walls. It doesn’t change the inside sizes.

TypeOptions

Relief on the outer walls. The texture is added outward: the inside and the wall thickness don’t change, so inserts and usable sizes stay the same. «Ribs» and «Flutes» are vertical, «Rings» horizontal, «Waves» helical and «Knurl» a diamond pattern that gives grip.

SmoothVertical ribsSoft flutesHorizontal ringsHelical wavesKnurled (diamond)
Default: Vertical ribs
ReliefNumber

How far the texture sticks out (mm). 0.6–1 mm shows well without overdoing it; more than 2 mm adds a lot of material and print time.

0.2 mm to 3 mmDefault: 0.8 mm
Horizontal pitchNumber

Spacing between ribs, flutes or waves measured around the part. Small values give fine striping; large ones, bold. It should be at least 3 times the relief.

1.5 mm to 20 mmDefault: 3 mm
Vertical pitchNumber

Vertical spacing between rings, waves or knurl diamonds. With 0.2 mm layers, less than 2 mm looks stepped.

1.5 mm to 30 mmDefault: 5 mm