The Challenge

The task was to design a guitar strap end-clip that could be easily 3d printed with typical materials. The design had to securely attach to a guitar without damaging the instrument, while also being easy to use.

The requirements were clear but demanding. It had to be printable in a single piece, securely attach without complex fastening mechanisms, and be durable for regular use.

Traditional strap ends use soft materials like leather. How does one create a clip using stiffer materials? The answer: A planar spring.

The Design

Elegant solutions often come from the subject matter itself. For our clip, we turned to the instrument for inspiration. The distinctive f-holes found on violins, cellos, and some guitars not only create a visual harmony with the instrument but also serve critical engineering functions.

These iconic shapes informed our design approach, particularly for the spring mechanism and stress reduction features. The flowing curves of f-holes manage sound waves in stringed instruments; in our design, they manage mechanical forces and material stress.

The Engineering

The f-hole inspired slots and cutouts in our design serve a dual purpose: they reduce stress concentration points in critical areas while creating a visual language that speaks to the clip's musical purpose.

ABS and PLA, while excellent 3D printing materials, can only tolerate a few percent strain during normal operation. Exceeding this limit would lead to fatigue and eventual failure.

The extended spring path distributes strain so that these limits aren't exceeded.

The Printing

Engineering a functional spring mechanism in a single, printable piece required careful consideration of print orientation, material constraints, and printing time.

Our design is printable as a single flat piece, improving the surface finish and aesthetics throughout. Chamfers on the top and bottom reduce harsh edges and improve the first layer.

With a good printer, it can be printed in only a few minutes.