3D-Printed Weighted Portal Storage Cube

If you’re a Portal fan, you likely think that Companion Cubes are pretty neat, but what about the Weighted Storage Cubes? While perhaps not as popular as the first type, they have at least one huge fan in self-described geek Kevin Rye. Like many makers, he doesn’t have a lot of time to spend on video games, preferring to make things in the real world, but after finally playing through the games, decided that he could make his own cube prop without feeling like a “poser.”

The build — which is outlined over a five-post series on his blog — started out with him modeling the device in SketchUp, including supports for six NeoPixel rings in the middle of each face. Five of these supports are attached with screws, and a sixth uses magnets to keep it in place. This allows for easy access to the electronics inside, while still holding it securely when manipulated.

Once printed, the gadget was fitted together, using bondo and paint to make it look realistic. Inside, an Arduino Micro controls the NeoPixel rings, while an accelerometer is used to sense when the cube is tipped from one side to another, allowing the lights to change appropriately. The result is a superbly finished 7” Storage Cube with spectacular lighting.

If you want to make your own, be sure to examine the cube’s print files available on Thingiverse!

[h/t: htxt.africa]