Introduction: Customizable 3D Printed Chain Bracelet
I have always been intrigued by print in place 3D prints. I tried to design my own chain, but no matter what I did it always came out messy due to supports. This made me wonder if there was a way to make it without using supports. After lots of designing and test printing, I came up with a method that did exactly that. An added feature to this method is that you can use multiple colors without needing a multi-color 3D printer. I am also selling these bracelets on my etsy, EstBuilds, for those you do not have access to a 3D printer.
Supplies
- 3D Printer
- 1-2 Colors of Filament
- Optional - Glue Stick and Tape
- Optional - Scissors and Printer
Step 1: Choose a Size
There are two ways two choose a size. If you have a printer, I would recommend printing the attached png. You can then cut out the sizing tool. Just like the picture, you can wrap it around your wrist and it will show your ideal size. The other option is to just go off of average wrist sizes based on the following: XS - Toddlers/Young Kids. S - Teens/Petite Women. M - Average Women. L - Average Men. XL - Larger Men. Again, I would definitely recommend the sizing tool to get the most accurate sized bracelet.
Step 2: Print Horizontal Pieces
These are called the horizontal pieces because they can be printed flat on the print bed for the best quality print. Download the STL file for your size and print!
Attachments
Step 3: Print Clip
No matter the size you selected you will need just 1 clip. Download the STL file and print! This piece can be printed flat on the print bed as well.
Step 4: Start Vertical Pieces Print
These are called the vertical pieces because they have to be standing up so you are able to pause the print and add the horizontal pieces in. No supports should be needed because the design is made up of arches. This design was done in Tinkercad (shown in picture). If you are using two colors you should change the color at this step. Since the pieces are pretty small, you can place tape down and add glue on top to add extra grip (as shown in attached picture). Download the STL file for your size and print!
Attachments
Step 5: Pause Print and Add Horizontal Pieces
Pause the print a little over half way of it being completed. Connect all the vertical pieces with the horizontal pieces. Make sure the clip is on one of the ends. Also make sure the vertical prints pieces stick through the horizontal pieces, so the print can be continued no problem. Once you are ready you can continue the print.
Step 6: Finish Print
If all steps were followed and the print went well, you should have a chain on the print bed. You can take it right off and since no supports were used you do not need to clean it up at all!
Step 7: Enjoy Your 3D Printed Chain Bracelet
Just click the chain together and you have finished your bracelet!
Participated in the
Wear It Contest
11 Comments
15 days ago on Step 7
Brilliant idea
Reply 15 days ago
Thank You!
26 days ago
Great use of the pause function!
Reply 26 days ago
Thank you!
27 days ago
This is really neat! What a fun way to use the pause, add to print, and resume technique!
Reply 27 days ago
Did you share the design publically in the Tinkercad Gallery?
Reply 27 days ago
I did not. That would be a good idea to allow people to add on to the bracelets. My original intention for this was to enter into the Wear It contest. For some reason I was not put into the contest which I have been pretty upset about.
Reply 27 days ago
Sorry for the trouble. I've manually added it.
Reply 27 days ago
Thank you so much! This made my day! Thanks again for all the help.
Reply 27 days ago
I added the design to the TinkerCad Gallery, thank you for the idea. Is there a way you can help me get into the Wear It contest? I submitted this Instructable into the contest before the due date yesterday and was really hoping to be part of the contest. I am not sure why I wasn't entered. Thanks again for the idea and let me know if you could help.
Reply 27 days ago
Thank you so much!