Fully printable, springed and auto closing, miniature holder.
It can hold wide variety of bases - spanning from 20mm to 40mm (and more with a proper arms variant!)
This is part of larger collection of compatible (though less mechanical) parts - handles, elastic arms, bases which can be helpfull in miniatures painting hobby.
https://makerworld.com/en/models/692491
>> ALL elements and variants are included in the "ALL elements + variants" printing profile and COLLECTION file.
>> Set of elements required to build a complete handle is the "SpringedCatcher - SET" printing profile and DEFAULT SET file.
---
---
---
---
---
This time having thin pliers or something alike to push the expanders through is a good idea.
---
---
The spring is modelled to be quite bulky and it provides a good grip:
The above example might be an overkill (over 50g of resin printed mini), our usual 28mm/32mm are held quite robustly:
Modularity is the key. Is the handle too light? No problem, just weight it down. Is the mini too large it's close to falling anyway? Just thread in a wide base.
Compared to Citadel MK2 it is slightly larger:
But if you're used to this particular model and size, then good news, you can print an adapter and connect the Springed Catcher to MK2:
Gourd handle has two basic variants - regular and wide. Both have hollow space with a threaded cap, which can be filled with something to weight down the handle (making it harder to knock over).
This model is part of larger collection, which all modules are made to work together.
Main connection method is threads and screws - 33mm for large hubs, and 8mm for smaller elements.
So if you want to add an adapter or new element it's fairly easy to create new models :)
Note:
All outside facing threads (screws) should have face offset applied (this helps with dimension inaccuracies). While inner can be left with their default settings.
What's great you can use the elements to prototype different kinds of holders or whatever might be useful at the moment, or maybe an idea that came to you in a dream. Like “The Tentacle” holder below:
some small elements tend to be ripped off by the extruder - mainly arms and shaft
All models were developed and tested on 0.20mm layer height with both PLA and PETG - as it’s fast and produces fairly smooth and clean prints. Printing in lower heights shouldn’t cause any issues.
PLA is fine for almost all elements except the spring. It will work, but compared to PETG it will be less flexible, require more force to wind, and can start giving in if kept in tensed position for too long (good old PLA creep).
I’ve tested the spring durability by leaving the arms in open position for few hours. PLA spring will lose it’s strength after around 4h-6h (up to over 20h which doesn’t seem to make a difference). PETG on the other hand, kept it shape, spring still managed to pull the arms to close position and held miniatures in its grip.
BUT if you only have PLA it will still work. Just don’t leave your minis in the handle overnight. And even if, the spring can be rejuvenated with a bit of heat (see Repairing PLA springs paragraph in the assembly doc).
Still the bearing has to be “broken” free after printing. Easiest way is to mount it on a handle (keep it loose rather than too tight), and start wiggling or doing “braking” (like a stick) motion while holding the base and the outside chasis of the base. It should give in with few short snaps/cracks.
(Turning it tightly by the chasis could also work, but then it’s hard to get it
off the handle)
Then rotate it few dosen of times untill the material smooths itself and as a result the base should rotate efortlessly.
Either of:
Optional:
Assembly instructions - see the attached pdf.
---
Miniatures showcased on the pictures:
Comment & Rating (93)