How do I design a 3D printable enclosure for an 18650 battery?

Use ElecBox: set a circular box with at least 21mm height (18mm battery diameter + 1.5mm base + headroom), add the 18650 component, and download the OpenSCAD file. The tool places the battery horizontally with a cylindrical channel and U-cradle ribs.

What file does ElecBox generate?

ElecBox generates an OpenSCAD (.scad) parametric file. Open it in the free OpenSCAD software (openscad.org), press F6 to render, then File → Export as STL for slicing and FDM 3D printing.

Can I put the TP4056 USB-C port in the box wall?

Yes. ElecBox places the TP4056 module in the Base with a 9.5×3.5mm USB-C port cutout through the side wall automatically.

What 3D print settings for an electronics enclosure?

Use 0.2mm layer height, 3 perimeter walls, 25% infill, no supports. Print in PETG for snap-fit flexibility. Print the box upright for strongest walls.

Can ElecBox generate an Arduino Nano enclosure?

Yes. Add Arduino Nano (45×18×14mm) from the library. ElecBox creates a pocket with a USB port hole in the wall. Use a rectangular box at least 60mm long.

Yes, completely free. No signup, no download, no limits. It runs entirely in your browser — nothing is sent to a server.

ElecBox BETA

Add components → auto-layout → validate → download ready-to-print OpenSCAD

① Box Shape

Outer Diameter (mm)

Wall Thickness (mm)

Base (mm)

Height (mm)

Min Needed

—

③ Features

Snap-fit Cover

Bead on box + sleeve cover printed separately

Clearance (mm)

Bead Radius (mm)

Light Ring Recess

Circular groove in base for LED ring / diffuser

Ring Diameter (mm)

Recess Depth (mm)

Battery Cradle Ribs

U-clips stop 18650 from rolling

Wire Routing Groove

Floor channel from battery to PCB area

② Add Components

Custom Component

Name

Component Type

▬ PCB / Module

⬤ Cylinder

⏻ Switch

L (mm)

W (mm)

H (mm)

Port / Connector face

None

+Y wall

−Y wall

+X end

Port W (mm)

Port H (mm)

No components — click above to add

Layout Preview (top-down cross-section)

🔵 Battery🟣 PCB🟡 Switch🟠 Light ring

④ Generate & Download

Open in OpenSCAD → F6 Render → Export STL → Slice & Print

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ElecBox?

ElecBox is a free browser-based tool that generates 3D printable enclosure files in OpenSCAD format. Add standard components (18650, TP4056, Arduino, switches) or custom parts, and the tool auto-lays them out, validates height, and generates the code.

Why does it recommend a taller box?

The 18650 battery is 18mm in diameter. With a 1.5mm base, the minimum box height needed is ~21mm. If you set 20mm the battery channel clips the top. ElecBox calculates the exact minimum and offers one-click auto-fix.

How do I use the .scad file?

Download OpenSCAD (free, openscad.org). Open the .scad file, press F6 to render, then File → Export → Export as STL. Slice in Cura / PrusaSlicer and print.

What if my TP4056 USB port is on a different edge?

TP4056 modules vary. In the generated SCAD file, find the TP4056 pocket and rotate it 90° in XY. The pocket and port variables are clearly labelled so it takes under a minute to adjust.

How do I make a snap-fit 3D printed box?

Enable Snap-fit Cover in Step ③. ElecBox adds a circumferential bead on the box outer wall and a matching groove inside the cover skirt. Recommended: 0.3mm clearance, 0.4mm bead. Print in PETG for best snap flex — PLA is stiffer and may crack on repeated opening.

What 3D print settings should I use?

Layer height: 0.2mm | Walls: 3 perimeters (critical — a 1mm wall at 0.4mm nozzle needs 3 passes) | Infill: 25% gyroid | Supports: None | Orientation: print box upright for strongest walls. Material: PETG for snap-fit, PLA for press-fit or glued boxes.

How do I add a switch to the lid (cap)?

Add a Rocker Switch from the library (or Custom → Switch type). It defaults to Cap. ElecBox cuts a rectangular hole through the top face of the cover so the switch snaps in from outside and is accessible without opening the box.

Can I design an Arduino Nano or ESP32 enclosure?

Yes. Both are in the component library. Arduino Nano (45×18×14mm) and ESP32 Mini (34×25×8mm) get rectangular pockets with USB port holes in the wall. For a rectangular box, set length ≥ 60mm for the Nano to fit.

Is ElecBox free? Any limits?

Completely free, no signup, no ads blocking the tool, no component limits. Everything runs in your browser — the OpenSCAD file is generated locally and downloaded directly to your device. Nothing is sent to a server.