3D Printed IEM Case

[Iron-Buddha]

So I was annoyed with IEM cases, some were too big, some were too small. Almost none of them had any kind of cable management and separate compartments per IEM.

After a lot of prototypes and revisions, I think I've come up with something better. The detent is pretty strong and the cable winder post acts as a cross-bar to increase rigidity. I think I may line the compartment with a micro-suede I have lying around but the IEM's don't move around much in there (the tips act as a buffer). My wife can arrange them in the case super nicely, but I don't have the patience.

The larger size (pictures) is still about 2/3 the size of the Campfire IEM case. Being 3D printed, you can scale it up or down as needed. The normal size is probably best suited to smaller earbuds.

If there is interest, I was thinking of designing a 4 and 8 IEM tower. You could pick your IEM of choice, pull the tray out, pop it into the single case and throw it into your bag.

Selling the files on Cults3D but thought I would share here for any feedback people may have.

 

[KittySneeze]

Thanks for posting, it’s a neat solution and if it works for you, then it’s certainly worth the effort.

If I might suggest one idea: Adding a thin foam/sorbothane layer in the portion that houses the actual IEM shells would prevent them from moving around inside the housing and safeguard them against scratches rubbing against the harder interior.

I’d suggest looking into either poron foam or sorbothane. Sorbothane is denser, so it is harder to mold into smaller shapes, but it is very good at guarding against vibrates from impacts. Poron is easier to use but slightly thicker but compresses much more. For poron, you search for keyboard case foams, there are some retailers that sell foam sheets in varying thicknesses that should work.

 

[Iron-Buddha]

Ah, was thinking of stuff I had on hand, but Poron sounds like it would be ideal! I do leather work too, so am thinking of a 3d print + leather solution.

I also haven't played with TPU filament, but it may be possible to print that part out of something softer.

 

[KittySneeze]

Ah, was thinking of stuff I had on hand, but Poron sounds like it would be ideal! I do leather work too, so am thinking of a 3d print + leather solution.

I also haven't played with TPU filament, but it may be possible to print that part out of something softer.

Leathers definitely a great option—especially since you are familiar with working it. Also, if you’re in the US, craft stores like Michael’s or Hobby lobby carry EVA foam sheets for like $2. One sheet would be more than enough to mess-up a few times and still have enough material to work with. If you do go that route, I’d suggest picking up some cement glue to use as an adhesive—foam is very difficult to adhere to plastics and it’s the only method I’ve found works consistently.

 

[AudioNoob]

That's great! A couple ideas:
You don't need the solid post for the cables, if you just to a column on each side and empty out the space inbetween, one can potentially put the jack there (especially for 90 degree ones). Alternately you could add a peg or two to keep extra tips on, shish kebab style.
Another weight/size/plastic reduction would be to use the back of the tray as one outer side of the case, with the outer case just sliding over and on the sides