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Thermos vial storage with 3D printed inserts and capacity options

79 replies21 peopleJun 2, 2026ā˜† Follow
79 replies Ā· 21 people Ā· page 2 of 2
BrightLantern89archiveJun 12
↳ replying to @PatientTimber12

Wondering if low-cost models from online bargain sites could handle creating the inserts I need or if more cash has to go into getting a proper machine since I understand nothing at all about this kind of tech.

PatientTimber12archiveJun 12
↳ replying to @BrightLantern89

I picked up a basic model online for low cost and dependability, though some marketplaces sell copies that feel cheaply assembled. Those versions lack beginner features and come stripped down without extras. For quick assembly and smooth operation that handles daily jobs without fuss, I chose a smaller unit that has proven steady in my setup. I dislike how the maker runs things and plan to skip their future models because of it, yet the device performs solidly every time. The build area stays limited, so it handles small pieces fine but soon pushes you toward bigger projects that need a second machine down the line. Similar options exist around that level depending on what you need and how much you want to spend.

AmberMeadow33archiveJun 13
↳ replying to @RustBeacon82 (opening post)

It arrived for me this afternoon and looks really appealing. Appreciate you posting that.

GreenMeadow27archiveJul 1

Looks like the whole stock got snapped up already, ha ha. I wanted to grab one myself. Probably should have gone for it the second I noticed them.

LevelAlder29archiveJul 1
↳ replying to @GreenMeadow27

Man, I feel bad about missing that thread by several weeks now. Seems like there are still some three-section insulated container choices available, so I am considering trying them out myself.

BrightLantern89archiveJul 1

I'm wondering if there are any printed adapters for holding tubes that go into those four little holders while keeping most of the capacity intact. They need to allow for a bigger outer size than the standard one.

RustBeacon82archiveJul 1

I wonder if the larger size might work with those NAD vials. Let me know what happens.

KeenBramble44archiveJul 1
↳ replying to @RustBeacon82 (opening post)

I'm wondering if others own three dimensional vial separators that fit inside their insulated drink container. Need a comparable accessory to match that style.

KeenBramble44archiveJul 2

Appreciate the response. I noticed he offers those. Recently got a new 3D printer and wanted to try it out with them.

LevelAlder29archiveJul 2
↳ replying to @KeenBramble44

I'll pick up my own copy soon enough. Once you've tried yours out, show me what you think along with examples of things you've made. From what people say these suit beginners perfectly with nothing to tweak.

BrightLantern89archiveJul 2

I put them straight inside the flask but left out those four separate holders. Expected liners shaped to hold the smaller versions instead. Gave it a shot cutting my own foam shapes and it came out poorly.

PatientTimber12archiveJul 2
↳ replying to @KeenBramble44

Searches turned up nothing on models for that holder. Looks like I need to make one from scratch. That's accurate because keeping the holders inside takes away room and limits how many tubes fit, leading the layout to skip them altogether and increase total capacity.

RustBeacon82archiveJul 2

I noticed they list an open box version.

BrightLantern89archiveJul 4
↳ replying to @PatientTimber12

I located a maker producing these pieces that line up with my four smaller boxes allowing a bit of wiggle room around one sixteenth to one eighth of an inch. The drawback is the expense along with capacity limited to twenty five per unit for a total of one hundred vials. It does not seem like good value overall yet because this is grey my cash now feels like board game or casino money which means I have to go ahead and get them.

PatientTimber12archiveJul 4
↳ replying to @BrightLantern89

I might stop using the containers someday and those inserts fit one hundred eighty five inside the original thermos.

SlowAnchor19archiveJul 4
↳ replying to @LevelAlder29

My boyfriend uses his printers to create everything I need for pep. He's produced inserts for my containers along with a tray that fits in the fridge a case for travel and storage for tiny vials in the freezer. I'll look around for some photos to post.

LevelAlder29archiveJul 4
↳ replying to @SlowAnchor19

I adore how these turned out so much! The hooks really stand out to me, especially the one that mimics wood grain and the sparkly edged version!

LevelAlder29archiveJul 4

Worth keeping in mind for sure. The viewer controls include options to shut the display, move to the following item, return to the earlier one, note when material fails to appear and suggest retrying, launch the image sequence, end that sequence, expand across the whole screen, display small previews, grab a copy of the file, distribute it onward, magnify the view, open separately, and switch the panel at the side.

LevelAlder29archiveJul 11

Hey everyone! Picked up this insulated container after seeing suggestions in this thread. Though it has just three sections I'm really pleased since it's sturdy and gives me that researcher vibe with specimen tubes. Wish I had some frozen carbon dioxide so it would release mist upon opening haha. Also verified the largest holder accommodates the extended 55mm NAD+ containers.

RustBeacon82archiveJul 11
↳ replying to @LevelAlder29

Happy to receive this new information. It seems I'll be purchasing one to go with the NAD storage.

AmberLantern34archiveJul 12

Wondering if that chain mostly operates around Europe. Picked up a couple of those metal food jars now sitting in the freezer, each one fits thirty six sample tubes. Grabbed matching holders from a model sharing site.

NorthWillow72archiveJul 12
↳ replying to @AmberLantern34

Kind of, locations like that operate here in America too.. known mainly for their signature dishes, build-it-yourself pieces, and requiring customers to cover the whole floor area. Still, decent merchandise! šŸ™‚

RustTimber85archiveJul 12
↳ replying to @NorthWillow72

My spouse avoids entering them for no other cause than that.

GreenHarbour50archiveJul 12
↳ replying to @AmberLantern34

That's neat to discover the nearby shop currently has this available. Since I have zero interest in tackling 3D printing on my own, I'm curious whether some service could produce those inserts instead.

PatientTimber12archiveJul 12
↳ replying to @GreenHarbour50

Lots of people who enjoy 3D printing seem willing to create inserts and offer them for purchase over the internet. I came across several who do exactly that kind of work.

GreenHarbour50archiveJul 18
↳ replying to @AmberLantern34

I bought a couple of these items locally and got custom inserts produced at another location. They function excellently. The appearance seems rather cheap, however the cost is lower compared to similar options, so I'd choose them again. Appreciate you posting about it.

CopperTimber28archiveJul 18
↳ replying to @NorthWillow72

Entering one of those spots is rare for us, maybe once every couple of years, and we've given it the nickname of the store you never escape.

BrightLantern89archiveJul 18
↳ replying to @AmberLantern34

When I search the local store it comes in at a moderate price, so about a wash cost wise with the usual 32oz option (if you buy at a discount spot), but the usual option is larger/holds more.

GreenHarbour50archiveJul 18
↳ replying to @BrightLantern89

It strikes me as something more relevant to Europeans. That one ends up much more expensive over there than the basic model from the shop close by.

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