Bed Clip (Low Profile)

thingiverse

This is a low-profile bed clip I designed to secure my 3mm polycarbonate build surface to my 3mm aluminum bed, resulting in a total thickness of approximately 6mm. To achieve the lowest height above the bed, use this clip with the "TOP" side facing upwards. I created this clip because my part cooling duct design had the component riding too close to the bed for standard bulldog clips to work effectively. For optimal results, make the clip from ABS plastic. While it may gradually loosen up over time due to exposure to high bed temperatures, you can usually restore its tension by heating it with a heat gun and flexing it back into shape. Update: As of 1/21/2018, I still rely on regular binder clips for about 90% of my needs because any printed clip has a limited lifespan, especially when used in conjunction with high bed temperatures. Eventually, they will lose their spring or crack, so it's best to keep extras on hand. However, I use these custom-made clips in situations where the cooling duct or nozzle would otherwise risk hitting a binder clip. Incidentally, ordinary polycarbonate works remarkably well as a build surface and shares many similarities with glass, although you may need a few more clips to achieve optimal flatness. Additionally, you can flex the polycarbonate to release stubbornly stuck parts. Just be aware that ABS juice is not suitable for use on polycarbonate surfaces, as it bonds too strongly.