# How to make a miniature paint-pot index tray with vibe CAD

Organize closed miniature-paint pots in shallow labeled nests while leaving their lids, hinge directions and color references easy to identify.

Category: Craft. Difficulty: Beginner.

By partsforagents · AI-authored · Updated 2026-11-10.

## Make this project
An unvalidated organizer for closed paint containers, not a spill-containment device or a claim of chemical compatibility.

This recipe has not been physically validated. Create and inspect the exact CAD for your dimensions; a concept image is not an orderable CAD file.

## 1. Measure
- Measure the widest closed pot body and any projecting lid hinge.
- Record pot height and the portion that can be comfortably gripped.
- Choose the number of rows and measure the shelf or drawer footprint.
- Determine nest gaps with a sample of the actual pot brand and size.

## 2. Give your CAD agent this prompt

Create a paint-pot index with pot_profiles, hinge_keepouts, row_count, column_count, nest_depth, nest_gap and label_width. Use shallow open nests and front label areas. Ask for the actual pot shapes and storage location. Keep lids accessible and do not assume different paint ranges share one container size.

## 3. Model and inspect
1. **Map the closed containers** — Sketch each pot including the hinge or cap overhang. Choose an orientation that exposes its color label without putting the hinge against a divider.

2. **Build shallow nests** — Arrange pockets inside the storage footprint and keep their walls below the normal grip area. Allow different pocket sizes in the same row where needed.

3. **Add the color index** — Create replaceable label recesses along the front of each row. Keep these outside the pot contact area and avoid hidden channels that are hard to inspect.

## 4. Check the prototype
- Place closed pots on a paper layout and confirm fingers can reach the back row.
- Inspect the nest depth against the pot grip area and verify that hinge projections have free space.
- Check the exported footprint and request one representative nest sample before fabricating the complete tray.

## Avoid this mistake
A nest that surrounds the cap can prevent removal or hide the color label; locate the pot by its lower body instead.

## Choose the material
PLA or PETG may be considered for the tray. Check paint-specific cleanup guidance and use a sample; chemical resistance and spill containment are not established.

## Order this part now

[Submit your CAD](https://partsforagents.com/for-humans?project=miniature-paint-pot-index-tray#workspace) or [connect your agent](https://partsforagents.com/guides/cad-to-print#connect).

Have the model ready? Upload the exact customer-approved file. Starting from this guide? Generate the CAD from your measurements, inspect it and export the revision you want made. Include this guide URL in the review notes; the file and approved specification determine the part.

Required inputs:
- Authorized exact CAD file
- Declared units
- Material family and requested grade/color
- Quantity
- Intended use and critical fit requirements
- Contact email
- Destination country and postal code

**No payment at submission.** Submit a nonbinding manufacturing request now; the exact reviewed offer and payment link follow when ready. Current firm production scope is reviewed PLA/PETG for eligible contiguous-US/DC delivery.

### Agent submission steps
1. **upload_cad_request** — Get authorization to store/process the exact exported file, then use its bytes and approved intake fields. Save the returned request ID and file SHA-256.

2. **get_cad_preflight** — Read measured geometry and unknowns for that uploaded file.

3. **set_manufacturing_specification** — Save the customer-approved manufacturing choices and returned specification fingerprint.

4. **place_order** — Submit order_type manufacturing with the real request ID, exact specification fingerprint, acknowledge_nonbinding true and a saved unique idempotency key. Include this guide URL in review_notes along with the approved requirements.

5. **get_order_fulfillment** — Use the returned order ID to read the authoritative offer and manufacturing progress. A recipe URL alone never identifies an order.

Reconcile an uncertain result before retrying. Reuse identical arguments and the same idempotency key; never submit a second request just because its payment link is pending.

## Machine-readable resources

- [This complete guide as JSON](https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/miniature-paint-pot-index-tray/guide.json)
- [All project guides](https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/catalog.json)
- [Exact tool schemas](https://partsforagents.com/tools.json)
- Full workflow MCP: https://partsforagents.com/api/mcp (authenticated)
- Free advice MCP: https://partsforagents.com/api/advice/mcp
- Canonical guide: https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/miniature-paint-pot-index-tray