The Cable Eater

thingiverse

Here comes the Cable Eater 2.0. Now with (or without) 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 to go for the medium simple Self-blocking system might be annoying when it comes to uncoil your cable... Lenght gain : still up to 99% with a standard 2m long wire ! Enjoy cable reduction !! Thanks for the feedbacks, keep it going. 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 with its flexibility might be easier to assemble, PLA/PHA is a great solution. As there are some snap-fit parts, I would recommend to print 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%, but keep in mind that this piece will need to be strong and a bit 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 4 little 'teeth' of part C /!\ Step 4 Rollup 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 lenght ! To unroll your cable, do not turn the parts, it's not necessary. Just hold the 2 strands with both hands, and pull. How I Designed This 3D Print snap-fits Snap-fit parts was 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 didn't managed 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 (as often) and came out with a simple horizontal snap-fit design (part B). Easy to print, reliable, strong (I hope in 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, strenght, flexibility) and precision, even if we tend to prefer thinking that it's revolutionnary and limitless !