Counting tray model

[bvandiepenbos]

I want to print a counting tray for small screws, nuts, washers etc.
something like this www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Medication-PILL-BEAD-COUNT-Counter-Counting-TRAY-/371317830943?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item567444751f

I would think it would be easy to find a printable model but so far not much luck.
I did not want to draw something.

We have been counting and putting small hardware into little zip bags and it takes way to much time.
Plus I have had two customers shorten a few bits recently, not good.
Got to be a easier, faster, more accurate way.

needs to be cheap and portable.
no fancy counting scales or automated machine.

You guys have any "Maker" solutions/ideas ?

[BeeAmaker]

Small gram scales work great for that.
www.ebay.com/itm/0-1gram-precision-jewelry-electronic-digital-balance-weight-pocket-scale-2000g-/351298661600?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51cb082ce0

The weight for 10 #6 nuts is the same as 10 #6 nuts, and the weight of 4 M3 washers incidentally weighs the same as 4 M3 washers.
(that is how inventory is done)

Just be sure the scale is the same as - or over a bit for what you are counting and you will never be short.

[bvandiepenbos]

that is a good idea and the scales you linked sure is reasonable price.

BUT, the biggest challenge is not actually counting, it is getting the things into small zip top bags quickly and without dropping anything. That is why I like the pill counting tray with spout.
Scales make more sense if we where counting out larger quantities, say 50 parts.
But we typically have 6 or 12 pieces each of 3 to 5 parts.

I really like the scales you linked, Thanks. I think I will get one in addition to a counting tray.

maybe I will draw up something with multiple compartments, 1 for each type of hardware. hmmm?

[BeeAmaker]

Small funnels work nice too.
it's hard to find small ones with a big spout so screws don't get stuck - but only if you had a 3D printer....

[sgraber]

I made this just for you Brian:

www.youmagine.com/designs/pill-sorter-counter

[jimustanguitar]

May 1, 2015 23:43:24 GMT -5 sgraber said:

I made this just for you Brian:

www.youmagine.com/designs/pill-sorter-counter

That's perdy.

[BeeAmaker]

I wonder if you could make an organizing tray to hold each part that has a trap door in the botton, or the bottom slide out so you can dump the contents into the bag.

[bvandiepenbos]

May 1, 2015 23:43:24 GMT -5 sgraber said:

I made this just for you Brian:

www.youmagine.com/designs/pill-sorter-counter

WOW, thanks Shane. Looks nice. Thank you!

Maybe it needs a wall along the side facing the funnel end, else when you dump each count into bag the bulk pieces left in the main tray would spill out, right?

glenn, good idea making it divided in multiple bins for different parts !
So, if the main tray had vertical dividers up 3/4 of height of tray for say 4 or 5 parts.
Where the dividers end the tray gets deeper, maybe a curved trough like funnel area.
So you push out the correct amouts of each hardware into the trough.
Then tilt the tray to left to dump all parts into funnel area, close the funnel lid, tilt tray forward into the bag.
Does that make any sense?

This tray is for Rebecca, she makes up our hardware packs.
For example, the hardware pack for the CF arm sets has the following;
(12) M3 lock nuts
(18) M3 regular thin nuts
(12) 3 MM washers
(12) #4 x 1/4" screws

[sgraber]

FWIW those mods should be a relatively minor thing to add since you can pull the STL into DesignSpark...

[bvandiepenbos]

May 2, 2015 14:18:56 GMT -5 sgraber said:

FWIW those mods should be a relatively minor thing to add since you can pull the STL into DesignSpark...

yep, I was going to give that a shot.
not asking you to change your model, more just throwing ideas out to see if it makes any sene to you guys.
Thanks again for making the nice model.
I will try to re-mix it and post it.

[sgraber]

FYI I just uploaded a base that's 2" wider so you can add in some slots if you want.   That's about all the wider I can fit on my print bed. I also added one that has a 35mm tall "wall" at one end so dumping is easier.  Heh I'm half-tempted to print one for sorting screws, bolts, and nuts...