#Shape Your World with 3D Printing
It all started with a joke that one of my friends made. He jokingly mentioned that he wondered if people could 3D print belts. Furthermore, the kind of belts that use a ratchet tightening mechanism. After a few days of brainstorming, I sat myself at my desk and did not get up until I was ready to send over some test prints. After a couple more days of modeling in SOLIDWORKS and pumping out test after test (which my P1S handled like a champ), I had a functioning model. But it had a few problems, one of which was that it required a small rubber band to function. I decided to post my model anyways, despite there being plenty of other belt models that used TPU to function. After about 8 months, I had some big ideas for improvement:
1. Print in place buckle
2. No supports
3. No external parts (like the rubber band)
After setting these criteria, I once again went to my desk and didn't stand back up until I had a prototype that I was proud of.
The model itself: Includes a print in place buckle that uses thick bridges to avoid support material, while also leaving tolerances for bendy parts to bend and rigid parts to stay strong. Can be printed with PLA, ABS, and PETG. The Belt itself should be printed in TPU, I designed 4 sizes that all use the same connection. Those who printed belts from my first version can still use it with the V2 Belt Buckle. I'm really proud of how this turned out, I've gifted a few of them to my siblings and friends. I have received great reviews, one even claiming that they went skiing while wearing the belt with no issues!
https://makerworld.com/en/models/756466#profileId-690758
If you're interested in printing one out, it would make my day! If you decide not to, then have a great day anyways!