Magnolia Box (Patreon)

This box is a collaboration between me and Randomizy. I designed the mechanical box and she sculpted the magnolia flower on top. This box is a outcome of a special request for a marriage proposal. Caleb, the producer and costar of Hotmakes wanted a mechanical ring box that somehow incorporates his girlfriend (now fiancé) favorite flower, the magnolia.

This type of mechanism is perfect for a magnolia since the number of pedals on the flower line up perfectly with 60 degrees. Each of the six petals on top are connected to an outside ring gear and an inside torsion loaded spring gear. When you hold the box and rotate the ring gear the pedals open. When you let go of the gear, the spring loaded gear forces the pedals to come together.

The bottom of the box prints in place. Use a .4mm nozzle and .2mm layer heights or smaller. You will need to print three double pedals and three single pedals. You will also want to print the shim which will help to glue the pedals squarely onto the shafts. None of the parts require supports. There is also 3MF files for dual color pedals.

The top pedals glue onto locators on the top of each shaft, I used Gorilla Glue (aff.) to glue it together. Make sure you alternate between single and double pedals. See the assembly video for instructions.

Much thanks to Randomizy for providing her sculpting expertise because without it this would not have been possible. You can also download these files from Randomizy. Please support her on Patreon.

Photo credit Radomizy