Parametric Buckle.jpg
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Device data
Manufacturing files https://www.youmagine.com/designs/parametric-buckle
Hardware license CERN-OHL-S
Certifications Start OSHWA certification
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Project data
Authors Andrew McMichael
Completed 2016
Made Yes
Replicated Yes
Cost USD 0.46
Instance of Buckles
OKH Manifest Download

Buckles are very useful and found on a wide variety of items; however, if one breaks, it is hard to find a cheap replacement. Since buckle sizes vary depending on the application, I made a fully parametric OpenSCAD design. There are several other buckle designs available, but none of them can be scaled easily; many of the designs found only provide STL files.

Bill of Materials[edit | edit source]

  1. Filament (amount depends on size of buckle)
  2. Design files (OpenSCAD and STL): | Youmagine Link

Tools needed[edit | edit source]

  1. MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer

Skills and knowledge needed[edit | edit source]

  • Knowledge of OpenSCAD is needed to manipulate the parametric settings in order to customize the buckle (such as changing the buckle width in the code to match application).

Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions[edit | edit source]

  1. Print Settings
    1. Male Buckle: 30% infill, 0.2mm layer height, 60mm/s print speed, print with prongs flat on bed. No support needed. Print at 210 degrees Celsius for PLA.
    2. Female Buckle: 30% infill, 0.2mm layer height, 60mm/s print speed, print flat on bed. Support recommended for the female casing; use Cura's "everywhere" support feature. Print at 210 degrees Celsius for PLA.
Buckle male print orientation.PNG
Buckle female print orientation.PNG
  1. Print Times (Varies on size of buckle)
    1. Male Buckle: 23min
    2. Female Buckle: 27min
    3. Overall time: 50min
  2. Assembly
    1. Estimated time: ~5-15min. This time accounts for removing supporting structure inside the female component and restitching fabric through the clips.

Common Problems and Solutions[edit | edit source]

  • The female buckle can be made without supports; however, this results in a buckle that is easily susceptible to wear and tear. Using Cura's "Everywhere" support feature makes the buckle more robust.
  • Make sure to take time to clear the female buckle of support material before trying to use it. Failure to do so will result in a hard to use buckle.

Cost savings[edit | edit source]

  • Cost estimate uses the base STL files on Youmagine. Varying buckle sizes can result in different costs and savings due to the parametric nature of the project.
  1. Total cost: $0.46 (20 grams PLA)
  2. Commercial Part: $0.82 - $6 + S&H [1]
  3. Minimum savings of $0.36 (43.9% savings)

References[edit | edit source]

  • Used as inspiration for design.[1]
  • Used as reference for OpenSCAD design.[2]
  1. web page: Thingiverse Male Strap Buckle Clip Available: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1416
  2. web page: Snap-fit Clips Available: https://www.appropedia.org/%22Backpack%22_Snap-fit_Clips
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Page data
Keywords 3d printing, buckles, fastener, osat
SDG SDG09 Industry innovation and infrastructure
Authors Andrew McMichael
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Organizations Michigan_Tech's_Open_Sustainability_Technology_Lab, MY4777, MTU
Language English (en)
Translations French
Related 1 subpages, 3 pages link here
Impact 710 page views
Created November 28, 2016 by Andrew McMichael
Modified February 28, 2024 by Felipe Schenone
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