How to ship a fragile 3D print
The packaging insert generator presses an impression of your part into a printable case, so it sits in a pocket shaped like itself and cannot move. Pick two halves, a hinged case or an open tray, print it pockets-up, then drop the part in and post it.
What a packaging insert is
Bubble wrap stops knocks. It does not stop the part rattling, and a thin fin or a spout still snaps. An insert holds the part on every side: a printed case with a pocket in the shape of your model, slightly larger, tapered so it always lifts back out and never grips. Print it once, then reuse the file for every unit you ship.
Make one in 3 steps
Generate the case
Upload the STL of the part you ship. Choose how it closes, set the fit (Normal holds the part without squeezing it), and add an opening feature so you can get the part out again. Shipping several of the same item? Raise the part count for a pocket each.
Print it
0.2 mm, 3 walls, 15% infill, no supports, pockets facing up. PETG flexes instead of cracking when a parcel is dropped; PLA is cheaper and fine, hinges included. See the filament comparison if you are unsure.
Pack and post
Drop the part in, close the case, tape it shut if it is two halves, then put it in the carton. A sheet of paper to stop it sliding is plenty. For something very delicate, ship one case inside a second one.
Which options matter
| Option | Pick this when |
|---|---|
| Two halves | Most protection. Tape them shut. The default. |
| Hinged case | The customer keeps the case. Prints flat, no lid to lose. |
| Open tray | Least filament and time. The carton lid closes it. |
| Fit: tight / normal / loose | Tight for smooth solid parts, normal for almost everything, loose for spiky or delicate shapes. |
What this tool can and cannot do
- The impression is only as good as the model you upload. A rough scan gives a rough pocket.
- It is sized for the part, not the box. Check the outer dimensions against the carton you actually have.
If the generator refused your file, the message is explained here: why was my model rejected. Almost every rejection is the same thing, a mesh with holes, and the “Fix it for me” button in the popup resolves most of them in one click.
Packaging insert FAQ
PLA or PETG for a packaging insert?
PETG bends instead of snapping when the parcel gets dropped. PLA is fine too, hinges included, and it prints faster and cheaper. Use PETG if the box is heavy or the part is precious.
How do I get the part back out of the pocket?
Add an opening feature. A finger notch cuts through the side wall and grips best, a thumb scallop is a dish that keeps the case closed, and a pry slot is a thin gap for a coin. Without one the pocket is a smooth trap.
Can I make it fit a box I already buy?
Yes. Switch the outer size to Fit a carton and type in its inner length, width and height. The case is built to that exact size, so it drops in with no rattle and no filler.
Made by meshcast.app. Got stuck? Email a photo and I'll help you debug.