Storage boxes by origami (free / without plastic)

[anotherParrot]

Hello,
I share here my sorting and storage technique, which costs absolutely nothing.

I use origami boxes, based on the Masu design : https://origami.guide/wp-content/uploads/201 ... ox-000.jpg
The same diagram is used to fold the box and its lid. It is a square module, stackable: two boxes = cube. The volume is quite well optimized for most bricks and plates of less than 8 studs (based on A4 paper format).

With A4 format, you get a square 21x21cm wich produce a 7~8cm square box, 3.5~4cm height. Then I can stack multiple boxes in a larger plastic or cardboard box.
Of course you can't see through it, like plastic bags/boxes, but you can easily write on it the number of a set, or a type of part.

Smaller or larger boxes can be produced. It will depend on the size of the starting square.
Roughly: One third of the width will be the final width, and the height will be half of that final width.
21 / 3 = 7cm width ; 7 / 2 = 3.5cm height

Volume :
You can store 4 horses. Or +100 1x2 bricks (based on my storage for 6080 Kings Castle)

There is a way to transfert height to width, but you need experience standard format first.

Be careful with the weight of the paper. The bigger the box, the softer it will be.
A4 at 80~90g/m² is a good ratio. But if you need a stronger box, without a stronger paper, you can insert sheets of cardboard inside the paperfold. Thus the folded paper makes the joint, and the cardboard makes the solidity.
In fact, in this folding, the starting sheet is an envelope shape. The inside and outside of the final box is made of one side of the starting sheet. You can fold several sheets together to increase strength, and the sheets on the inside will not be visible or exposed in the final shape.

The box holds well, without sticking. But if you want to seal its shape, one small piece of tape in the center of the bed of the box is enough (holds the 4 corners of the sheet)
If it's for storing small parts, like 1x1 plates, some of them could slip between the sheets.
Just cut out a 7cm square from the remaining A4 strip and place it in the bottom of the box to set it.

When you open them to build something, the lid doubles the sorting volume.

In short, it is a great system, which costs nothing, allows to recycle paper usefully. It's fun to make. I guess it's a good way to preserve, because it's relatively opaque to UV, interacts less with plastic, and doesn't require adhesive (which often degrades badly). The paper is acidic, but the Lego bricks are neutral (?). I don't think it will be a problem in times. But if you are concerned, look conservation paper (called "neutral" with an alkaline reserve), or Tyvek (which is the real thing, used in museum, hospitals, etc.)

I have lots of other tips and advice on this. Don't hesitate to give me a try.
Here is a link to a folding "how to" : https://origami.me/box/

There is also a design that allows you to create subdivisions within the box. It looks good on the pictures, but I do not recommend it. The folding is complex, and it won't be very efficient to separate parts (unless they are only +/- 2cm size)

[Frank_Lloyd_Knight]

That's a good idea. Thanks for sharing your technique.

[jtooker]

Thanks for the info - I've thought about subdividing some of my bigger drawers and this would be a good thing to try. I haven't found plastic trays that are the right size + cheap enough (Akro-Mils drawers is a better solution in general and I've moved part of my collection into those).

[anotherParrot]

Thanks for the info - I've thought about subdividing (...)

If needed, here is a template to make rectangular boxes :
http://classic-castle.com/forum/viewtopic.p ... 83#p233883
The principle is the same, even if it is not a traditional origami. You will have to glue the 4 tabs in the bottom, or block them by wedging a rectangle of cardboard (or thick paper).

Lately I've been experimenting with a much simpler design to divide a storage cell.

[url=http://lego.patatoide.com/origami-storage/divider-1.jpg]Large view[/url]
[url=http://lego.patatoide.com/origami-storage/divider-2.jpg]Close view[/url]

Here is the template :
[img]http://lego.patatoide.com/origami-storage/d ... te.png?v=6[/img]

Just fold the blue lines, Then the red lines for each corners. Then fold the triangles to the outside.
Here I fixed them with tape, but it is not necessary. The box will keep its shape as long as it is stored. Without tape you can take it out and lay it flat to easily pick up parts, then fold it up to store it.