RetroBites Vending Machine

- When I think back to my childhood and candy, the first thing that comes to mind is those old-school vending machines. Like most kids, I loved candy—but for me, it wasn’t just about the sweets. I was fascinated by the vending machines themselves, with their bright displays and rows of tempting treats just out of reach. On the rare occasions my mom said yes, it felt like hitting the jackpot. I still remember the excitement of getting a box of Junior Mints after begging for a treat—it was a small moment, but it stuck with me. That memory inspired the creation of the mini RetroBites vending machine.

This is a large and detailed print with many parts, but making it functional is simple—you only need 22 screws, 5 springs, an optional LED light strip and a plexiglass window. Everything else is fully 3D printed!

I realize that not everyone lives in the US, so sourcing the candy I used may not be possible, So, when it comes to sweets, we offer a few fun options:

• A mix of Nerds, candy bars, and Junior Mints • Just candy bars • Just Junior Mints • Or a Mystery box where you can include any candy you like—as long as it fits inside! And what's even better, you can choose to vend something else entirely, medication, nuts and bolts, trade show items, etc. The possibilities are endless.

Materials:

- 1 Piece of 2mm thick Plexi- 7"x10.25" https://www.amazon.com/SIQINZONGWA-Acrylic-Transparent-Plexiglass-Projects/dp/B0BM4RVYX6/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3M7T5HEPHHAC5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Zyz6lxzBAn4DDX31h6LtJLMSo9ID5EKSOEsiIohyumXFfXswj4NYvZSitSOPaDGxYtyP5GUnRORT17lxZs1sFR00TOxE6D6hOQU8KGAouFra8qXKfR6SY0_cjHI5BFIP6r6XhCNV_c1-YdnKQlndphJUbnfpGHU8W_l-JKFDctaD_wMmgClrjWIB7QnmbX_h1LAQlUYZ4GkouUw1ENChiH_p4XehZTeuELIlkkJwjZE.J3tlczhbyvnL-lbAC2ZyL-tGLk38BjbYJMGdZNmyX9k&dib_tag=se&keywords=2mm%2Bplexiglass&qid=1750616138&sprefix=2mm%2Bplexiglass%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-5&th=1

- Plexiglass scoring tool for cutting: https://www.lowes.com/pd/PLASKOLITE-1-Blade-Utility-Knife/3140935

- 30 Screws #4 x 3/8 inch: Hardware Store/Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/DTGN-Screws-Stainless-Phillips-Tapping/dp/B0CWVKMCDY/ref=sr_1_14?crid=I1S1C173SBXG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Y_8QQ4AGVgRMyqfdDC3lheQ2AkK0DHZHZaM78K-homaCQIFPH77YEWLa5ABYospTLKQxW2A4hG4D2OchWLWEHOAfpommBcwqqelYqePHx8eBYz2eJ7y8y6wGXf4gEyYmC2GpXNHNzYp_JZpFpGKxZFKFGMCjMpr5j3mw2KANrxAb8cpLkgMSpUWQfRbHsZQjcnNJvymjOgjLrqXcCzCiTXP-Yrn9tJ3_PfocpCxEiI4.YZnQDkBTmvKac5expBvX8BT0M9Y3AeokSakkwLkZFgg&dib_tag=se&keywords=%234%2B3%2F8%22%2Bscrew&qid=1750011117&sprefix=%2B4%2B3%2F8%2Bscrew%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-14&th=1

- 4 Screws #4 x ½ inch: Hardware store/Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Phillips-Screw-Bolt-Dropper/dp/B079Y9DT1K/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.2da95b6c-f59a-4699-bc43-d0ff036c6388%3Aamzn1.sym.2da95b6c-f59a-4699-bc43-d0ff036c6388&crid=1BK452Z4XLCNU&cv_ct_cx=%234%2B1%2F2%22%2Bscrew&keywords=%234%2B1%2F2%22%2Bscrew&pd_rd_i=B079Y9DT1K&pd_rd_r=3105fe65-1a7d-482d-a9d2-8aa1623131db&pd_rd_w=AhlzC&pd_rd_wg=6RfUK&pf_rd_p=2da95b6c-f59a-4699-bc43-d0ff036c6388&pf_rd_r=JSZBCQ19NFZ61Z0Y4VPE&qid=1750011324&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=%2B4%2B1%2F2%2Bscrew%2Caps%2C105&sr=1-1-6024b2a3-78e4-4fed-8fed-e1613be3bcce-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

- 1 LED Strip cut to size: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08X1QMRKK?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

- 5 Steel Compression springs (10x0.8x40mm): https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Compression-Spring-Stainless-Length/dp/B0C33CBS3N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=B3NBIQSP0DXI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2G3yngPLH-r0M-C-_Am2JkE2VDciUdpUSyqEdpZcsz_np7Iy7DADMCh8o1CyOYRyCA8k9n3K0fIMdNyIQwhJdrSSbCwUM5rSg_AVRpXJ70R0o5N0E2G0PAqFqDFRC7vWmQ1Exp-S9rouPqb1ymVWJAVjsrDdWSF5sHhupeOITLUfwpHgBlGgVlk-VYFiDnUX54GcIQGaZPYTQ1XXgVVYp8Tt6K1o5pRvn0V7BqkqUzk.S95PDYvQL1L9KFWxplaWVrrHBuj2TVq7nMSQ9LGDrDQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=10x0.8x40mm%2Bcompression%2Bspring&qid=1749733647&sprefix=10x0.8x40mm%2Bcompresson%2Bspring%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1&th=1

- Filament used: 3DHoJor Light Khaki, Overture Gray Blue PLA, eSun Silk Metal PLA, Polymaker PLA Pro Black. This is what I used, but any filament can be used.

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