Parametric Peptide Vial Holder v1.1

Keep your 3ml crimp-top vials organized and protected. This two-part snap-on holder — a deep-well base and a snug lid — comes in sizes from 2 up to 50 vials. Designed specifically around 16mm OD crimp-top vials (standard 3ml peptide/research vials), with a tunable friction fit and a satisfying snap closure.

Pre-sliced STLs for common sizes are included. If you need a custom count or want to dial in the fit for your printer, the OpenSCAD source file lets you customize everything from the number of vials to the snap stiffness.

Included Sizes (base + lid for each):

• 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 vial holders (Plate 01)
• 8, 9, and 10 vial holders (Plate 02)
• 15 and 20 vial holders (Plate 03)
• 25 vial holder (Plate 04)
• 50 vial holder (Plate 05)
• V1_1_vial_holder_parametric.scad — full parametric source

Print Settings

• Material: PETG recommended. PLA works but tune snap_p down slightly.
• Layer height: 0.2mm
• Walls: 3–4 perimeters
• Infill: 20–30%
• Supports: None needed. The lid prints upside-down (open end up) by design — the finger lift underside is a self-supporting ≤45° ramp.
• Orientation: Print both parts flat on the bed as exported.

How to Use the Printed Parts

1. Drop your vials into the base wells — they sit deep with just the crimp cap above the rim.
2. Slide the lid straight down over the base. The mouth has a chamfered lead-in to guide it on.
3. Press until you feel/hear the snap tab click into the base pocket.
4. To remove: lift the finger-lift tab on the front and pull straight up.

Customizing with the SCAD File

Open the .scad file in OpenSCAD (free at openscad.org). All user parameters are at the top in labeled sections.

Layout

vials_per_row = 4;      // How many vials across (1–12)
num_rows      = 1;      // How many rows deep (1–10)
render_part   = "both"; // "base", "lid", or "both"

Set your count, then export base and lid as separate STLs: set render_part = "base" → F6 to render → File > Export as STL. Repeat for "lid".

Fit Tuning (after a test print)

clearance = 0.5;  // Extra diameter on vial pockets — increase if vials are tight
lid_gap   = 0.2;  // Gap between lid and base — increase if lid is hard to slide on

Print a small test first. Adjust in 0.1mm increments.

Snap Feel

snap_p         = 1.0;  // Tab protrusion — PETG: try 1.2, PLA: try 1.0
snap_z         = 16;   // Larger = tab closer to finger lift = easier to pop
snap_tip_ratio = 0.8;  // Lower = gentler ramp on both sides of the tab

Printed in PETG. If this was useful, a like or make photo is always appreciated!

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