The Cable Eater

thingiverse

Here comes the Cable Eater 2.0. Now with or without a self-blocking system, a lower profile, arrows, windows on top to adjust the new snap-fit system. 4 models available: Small simple Medium simple Small self-blocking system Medium self-blocking system For 2m long, 3mm thick cables, I suggest going for the medium simple. Self-blocking systems might be annoying when trying to uncoil your cable... Length gain still up to 99% with a standard 2m long wire! Enjoy cable reduction! Thanks for the feedbacks, keep them coming. Print Settings Printer Brand: Printrbot Printer: Simple Black Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.1-0.2 Infill: 75%-100% Notes: Working with PLA, but ABS might be easier to assemble due to its flexibility. PLA/PHA is a great solution. As there are some snap-fit parts, I recommend printing at low speed (40mm/s and 25mm/s for small perimeters). For a smooth finish, prefer 0.1mm layer height, but 0.2mm will do just fine. About the infill: As the A and C parts are pretty flat and large, you may want to keep a high density (75-100%). However, B part infill can be reduced to 50%, keeping in mind that this piece needs to be strong and flexible (mine was printed at 100% PLA, it's quite strong but not very flexible). Heated bed is recommended for PLA to avoid wrapping issues. Printing time (0.1mm - 40mm/s - 75%) A part: 2h30 B part: 15min C part: 2h15 Post-Printing Step 1 Take the A part, and put your cable in the center. Step 2 Block your cable using part B, snap-fitting it on the A part pivots. Step 3 Snap-fit part C pivot to the part B center hole. Make sure your cable is passing between the four little 'teeth' of part C! Step 4 Roll up your cable by holding Part C in one hand (part C should face the ground), while turning Part A CLOCKWISE (turning the other way might damage your cable) till the desired length! To unroll your cable, do not turn the parts; it's not necessary. Just hold the two strands with both hands, and pull. How I Designed This 3D Print snap-fits Snap-fit parts were a bit challenging to achieve... I first designed vertical clipping parts (Lego brick system) but the inside pressure generated by the cable being coiled was enough to disassemble the model. I then tried to design snap-fits based on Eiki Martinson and Jon Lusk's research (http://eikimartinson.com/engineering/3dparts/pivot1-m.jpg). But I didn't manage to print it well (and strong enough) with PLA. As I wanted an easy printable model, I decided to look for something else. Finally, I solved my problem while sleeping and came out with a simple horizontal snap-fit design (part B). Easy to print, reliable, strong (I hope in the long term), and quite easy to assemble. If you try to design and print snap-fits, keep in mind that FDM technology has limitations regarding both raw materials (quality, strength, flexibility) and precision.