The title refers to a molded silicone container designed to fold down and remain folded—not just a box that can be flattened for storage. In Kristina Panos’s July 5, 2021, Hackaday account, the first 24 molded versions would not stay collapsed; the reported 25th attempt did after the maker adjusted the design and cured it while collapsed. The account describes a prototype, not a complete recipe for reliably making one.
What the silicone prototype involved
The maker started with a two-part mold printed using stereolithography (SLA) and silicone rated Shore A 40. He adjusted the angles at the flex points, the thickness of the living hinges, and the container’s wall thickness. For the reported successful version, he removed the part from its mold after about three hours, then cured it in the collapsed state. Hackaday’s account by Kristina Panos reports that this version stayed down.
The key lesson is that a container can look properly molded and still fail its main job. The first 24 attempts did not stay collapsed. The reported change combined adjustments to the folding geometry and thickness with curing the final part while collapsed; the article does not isolate which change mattered most.
Why this is not a repeatable build recipe
The Hackaday account does not specify the silicone product or mixing ratio, mold dimensions, hinge or wall measurements, or a complete curing schedule. It also gives no strength, load-capacity, cycle-life, or reliability results. Shore A 40 identifies the reported silicone’s durometer, but it does not supply the missing geometry and process settings needed to reproduce the prototype. Treat the account as a design experiment, not a validated manufacturing plan.
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If you want to explore the same idea, the variables the account actually identifies are flex-point angles, living-hinge thickness, wall thickness, and whether the silicone cures in the collapsed position. Changing dimensions or materials without a defined process may produce a container that folds differently or fails to stay down; the source provides no tested tolerances or troubleshooting thresholds.
Choose a simpler construction if you need a usable box
A silicone container that stays collapsed is a different project from a fold-flat paperboard box or a rigid-panel storage box. For a light craft container, paperboard is much simpler to make. For a more rigid box that can be disassembled, a plywood tab-and-slot plan is another option. The sources do not provide comparable load tests, costs, or service-life figures, so these methods cannot be ranked on those measures.
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- Space-Saver Alert: When not in use, the collapsible grocery bin can be easily folded up, occupying minimal storage space. Slip it into your car trunk or that cozy corner in your storage room. Pop open or shut in just 60 seconds. Convenience redefined.
- High-Quality PP Material: Think durability but without the rust. Our collapsible plastic storage bin, fashioned from top-notch PP material, stands strong and reliable. Plus, it's safe and friendly for all your storage adventures, indoors or out.
- Carry with Flair: Featuring two ergonomic handles, transportation becomes a breeze. No more huffing and puffing! There's no need to strenuously drag it upright. Tilt or lay flat, and off you go. Our collapsible box is all about making your moves smooth.
- Not Just a Box: From car transportation, road trips, and camping escapades to that big move or maybe just your garage – this collapsible bin fits in, stands out and assures reliability wherever it goes. Welcome to versatile storing!
| Approach | Construction | Fold-flat or take-apart behavior | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molded silicone | SLA-printed two-part mold, silicone, and iterative adjustment of flex geometry and thickness | The reported prototype stayed collapsed after being cured in that state; durability is not established | A design experiment in flexible molded construction |
| Paperboard | Cut and score a net, fold panels and flaps, and join a side tab | Folds flat; permanently gluing the bottom flaps prevents collapse | A lightweight craft or storage box |
| 6 mm plywood | Accurately cut panels with interlocking tab-and-slot joints | Can be disassembled if left unglued, but may fall apart when handled | A more rigid storage box |
Make a fold-flat paperboard box
Aunt Annie’s instructions use cardstock or cardboard, glue or double-sided tape, scissors or a craft knife, a ruler, and a bone folder or empty ballpoint pen. You can print or draw a box net. The sequence matters: score and fold the flat net before joining its side tab, so the panels can still fold along their creases.
- Prepare the net. Print or draw the box outline and fold lines on cardstock or cardboard.
- Cut the outline. Use scissors or a craft knife for straight, clean edges. Protect the work surface with a cutting mat or thick scrap cardboard; craft knives are sharp and should not be used by children.
- Score the folds. Use a ruler and bone folder or empty ballpoint pen to make an indent along cardstock fold lines rather than cutting through. For cardboard or poster board, Aunt Annie’s instructions describe a half-cut along the score.
- Fold the panels and flaps. Fold the lids and flaps, then the side panels along their scores.
- Join the walls. Glue or tape the tab to the final side panel to form the box walls.
- Close the bottom and lid. Fold the bottom flaps inward and tuck the lid flap inside.
For a stronger bottom, Aunt Annie’s guide suggests inserting a piece of cardboard cut to fit. Gluing the bottom flaps to the bottom is another reinforcement option, but it sacrifices the box’s collapsibility. Straight cuts and cleanly scored creases help the box fit and fold neatly. See Aunt Annie’s collapsible-box instructions.
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Build a rigid plywood version
Craftsmanspace documents a storage box made from 6 mm plywood with interlocking tab-and-slot joints. Its downloadable drawings cover one- and three-compartment versions; the one-compartment plan gives dimensions of 127 × 114 × 71 mm. The parts can be glued for a compact box or left unglued for disassembly. The plan warns that an unglued box may fall apart when handled, so this is a removable-panel design rather than a flexible container. See Craftsmanspace’s collapsible-box plans.
Quick Recap
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