Most large plastic storage containers like those produced by sterilite have sloped sides so that the top is wider than the base. This of course means that when placed side by side there is a large gap between them of wasted space. Is there a reason for this? Easier to manufacture? Structural integrity?
Edit: Thank you very much to all of you for your responses!
In: 94
As others have mentioned, manufacturability is the big reason. As an engineer, I used to oversee the development of plastic injection molds in the automotive industry. There are ways to get around having obvious sloped walls and you can even have holes in the side walls of plastic parts. However, this adds a lot of complexity, weight, and cost. The fewer moving parts in a mold that satisfies all the requirements of the part being made, the better.
Latest Answers