Cost-Effective Modular Bins: Alternative to DIY 3D-Printed Gridfinity Systems

A user flat-out says, "The default light is terrible," when talking about the need for an "LED riser" for their 3D printer. This shows they're really unhappy with the standard internal lighting in their machine, likely a model with an enclosure, such as those compatible with an AMS. It points to a real opportunity for an aftermarket, high-quality, and easy-to-install LED lighting solution specifically designed for popular 3D printer models. Many users currently resort to 3D printing custom parts like "LED risers" (which lift the printer's top panel to create space for LED strips) or other DIY lighting setups.

Product Suggestion: A dedicated, pre-packaged LED lighting kit for popular enclosed 3D printers (e.g., Bambu Lab P1/X1 series, Creality K1/K1 Max, Prusa MK4 with Enclosure). This kit could include:

  1. Custom-length, high-CRI (Color Rendering Index) LED strips or modules that fit perfectly within the printer's enclosure without obstructing movement or airflow.
  2. Cleanly designed, non-3D-printed mounts (e.g., slim profile, injection-molded plastic or aluminum) that are easy to install using existing mounting points, magnets, or high-quality adhesive.
  3. Integrated diffusers for soft, even illumination, reducing glare and shadows.
  4. A simple, safe power solution: either a plug-and-play connector to tap into the printer's existing low-voltage power supply (if feasible and safe by model) or a separate, compact USB-powered controller.
  5. Optional: A small inline switch or dimmer.

Expected Benefit: This product would give 3D printer users much better internal visibility, making it easier to monitor print progress, catch issues early, perform maintenance, and capture higher-quality timelapses or photos. It would save users the time and potential inconsistency of DIY solutions, offering a more reliable, aesthetically integrated, and potentially brighter/higher-quality lighting experience than typical homemade setups.

Origin Reddit Post

r/3dprinting

What’s one problem everyone prints a solution to, but you haven’t?

Posted by u/PuffPuffFayeFaye05/28/2025

Top Comments

u/WhiterTicTac
An opposing viewpoint can be refreshing from time to time, so calm your tits and don't get so overworked about simple statements.
u/CinomedTweak
Roflmao
u/Superseaslug
That right there. Also filament clips. I just use mini binder clips. 100 of em is like $2.00 and they come in fun colors. They work on most spools.
u/kjgjk
Yeah it’s a waste of time and space to give your wire snips a perfect little space that only they fit in.
u/2D_3D
I did find [this stripped down base with ball bearings](https://makerworld.com/en/models/659830-gridfinity-ultralight-baseplates#profileId-586970) and [this container with cardboard walls](ht
u/Cheesedud6
I do this exact thing haha
u/Superseaslug
I've had the filament snap from doing that enough times that I just use the clips. I use the spool holes for other filaments, but PLA has a tendency to snap when under strain for extended per
u/Helpful_Dev
Yeah I bought a printer to make cool shit, not print out storage boxes.
u/lancasterpunk29
honestly , a lot of stuff. I usually only print unobtainable or extremely expensive items.
u/ObjectiveOk2072
A spool holder. I "temporarily" used a monstrous contraption consisting of a piece of 2040 aluminum extrusion with a 10mm steel rod shoved through it, with an old Ender 3 spool holder attache
u/kjgjk
Gridfinity. Shits a waste. Vertical storage bins (2x2x5) in a rack are cheap as fuck on marketplace and make things easier to store for less money and time.
u/hotdogpartytime
I’ll be honest, I don’t get the filament clip thing. I just put it through the holes in the reels and fire it in to a warmed bin with desiccant sacks. I rarely have issues. If I do, it’s a fi
u/Strostkovy
Yeah I just sweep the poop off the floor every now and then. I also see no need for an AMS riser.
u/kjgjk
Fill the drawer enough and shit doesn’t move. My tool cart has cheap socket organizers that work and stay put. Screwdrivers all are in the holes that are in the cart for them. Wrenches have t
u/johannesmc
mines in an amazon box, fits more.
u/uppishduck
Have you seen [Playcontainer’s](https://thangs.com/designer/Play%20Conveyor/3d-model/Cargo%20Containers%20-%20Modular%20Storage-1191155) stuff? I think the modularity makes this particular so
u/WhiterTicTac
Gridfinity is tremendous for tooling. You can kit each drawer out perfectly to the tools you have. Yes, there are off the shelf products, but nothing is a one size fits all.
u/WhiterTicTac
Yes, wire snips, the only tool that a mechanic needs in a toolbox. Forget about the 200 other loose objects that all look identical.
u/LewdTateha
Ams riser? No. LED riser? Yes. The default light is abysmal. My ams is wall mounted

Ask AI About This

Get deeper insights about this topic from our AI assistant

Start Chat

Create Your Own

Generate custom insights for your specific needs

Get Started