Q-20 Camera Mount to 1/2 inch PVC Pipe Clamp

prusaprinters

Q-20 Camera Mount to 1/2 inch PVC Pipe ClampThis clamp allows mounting a camera or other device onto a nominal 1/2 inch (outside diameter) PVC pipe, widely available in the US. For the camera end, use a quarter-20 threaded bolt, widely used in camera mounts worldwide. By “nominal” I mean that the pipe is often less, or more, than 0.5 inch.How to print: as shown in the .STL file. There is only one 3D printed part. Use 3 perimeters, 20% infill, 0.2mm Quality setting. I will try to make the source files available; they’re currently hosted as a public design on OnShape.com, but I’m not sure how to get the link.How to attach: slide the clamp over the end of the pipe; OR, spread the jaws over a section of pipe and it should snap into place with a “click.” Don’t pinch your fingers. I found that printing this section as 3mm thickness is a good compromise. Too thin, it’s not strong enough. Too thick, it may break when you spread the jaws apart. This is all with PLA.For firm clamping, this clamp uses M3 machine screws, with M3 nuts. I prefer M3 Torx head screws, as Phillips screwdrivers slip and are just too frustrating. Use a T10 driver. I think M3 hex drive (Allen key) screws would also work, but I haven't tried them.For the camera mount side, insert a 1/4 inch hex bolt. I used a 3/4 inch length; it was a little overkill. A 1/2 inch length should be enough.VARIATIONS: For this size pipe, I find M3 works very well. I have tested it with 1 inch (OD) PVC pipe too; works fine. However, it could also be adapted for larger sizes of pipe, possibly using larger size screws.RATIONALE FOR DEVELOPMENT This design was not based on, but was made in reaction to, the very nice PAMS Camera Quick Clamp, from Makers Making Change, a great organization. As noted on that page, besides cameras, it can be used with assistive devices, lights and so on. It is fairly complex, takes a while to print, and might slide off (though there's a fix; keep reading).The Camera Quick Clamp is a very nice design, and well documented. I printed it, studied the docs, and assembled it, shown in this MAKE.The one drawback I found is that PVC pipe, as found at hardware stores like Home Depot, is only nominally 1/2 inch. It might be a little more, or a little less. This is normal, but it means my Quick Clamp was too loose - it just slides right off the PVC pipe. This is bad: it was quick, but it would not clamp. This is annoying, but is not a criticism of their approach - no matter how loose or tight you make the design, some PVC pipe is not going to fit.For my own test, I just wrapped a couple of turns of duct tape around the pipe, and it’s just enough to make the clamp solid. This may or may not be desirable for your situation. If I had more thoroughly read the instructions, I'd know to also consider wrapping a rubber band around the pipe first. Read the instructions!