About the rugged cases

Size it to what you’re storing

Set the outside width, depth and heights for the box and lid, and everything else follows: wall thickness, corner radius, the lid’s skirt and seat. Print box and lid together, or either one on its own (a lid on its own is sized for a box made with the same settings).

Latches and gasket

Latches are flexible arms molded onto the box that snap over a matching catch on the lid — press the lid down to engage, pull an arm outward to release. Set the count to 0 for a plain friction-fit lid instead. The optional gasket groove is a channel inside the rim for a foam or silicone strip: it keeps out dust and light splashes, not a true watertight or airtight seal.

Printing

Both parts print without supports in the orientation shown: the box floor-down, the lid skirt-down. PETG holds up to repeated latch flexing better than PLA. Press the lid on firmly the first few times to seat the latches — they loosen slightly with use, which is normal for a printed snap fit.

FAQ

Is it waterproof or airtight? No. The gasket groove is a dust and splash barrier, not a true seal — 3D-printed parts aren’t watertight on their own. For anything that needs to stay dry, add a real gasket and don’t rely on the plastic alone.

Why won’t the lid latch? The arms need a firm, even press to snap over the catch — press near each latch, not just the center. If a latch feels too tight or won’t engage at all, a very light sand of the catch’s edges usually fixes it; printed tolerances vary by printer.

Can I resize it after printing? No — reprint at the new size. Every dimension here drives the mold-like shape directly, so there’s no way to stretch a printed part after the fact.

Can I edit it in CAD? Yes: the STEP button gives an exact model of the box and lid, latches included, as two solids.