Pull-Tab Clasp Cuirass—A Truly Wearable Design

Pull-Tab Chainmail

03.27 Updated the glove section; now a single-piece print with detachable clasps for side seams

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This project's inspiration stems from a foreign friend's creation of chainmail using pull tabs from beverage cans—perhaps best translated as “Pull-Tab Chainmail”, see this author's post. The structure is remarkably ingenious, lending itself to diverse applications.

An attempt was made to replicate this structure using a single-piece 3D print, with two variations: an N-shaped design for increased surface contact and a V-shaped design for improved form. The outward-facing side will determine which variation to use, as overhangs can present aesthetic challenges. To ensure successful printing, adhesive application is necessary.

After extensive testing (and numerous failures), the primary issue with large-scale printing, particularly on A-series printers with i3 architecture, proved to be first-layer adhesion. Testing indicates that enabling accelerated printing increases the likelihood of failure.

A 2.0 version of the pull-tab design has been created based on this topology; however, it now bears less resemblance to a pull tab and more to—underwear, haha

Print a test version to confirm a successful print rate; secure first-layer adhesion is paramount for large-scale printing.

The final product is a chainmail arm guard. Prepare a one-meter length of cord (0.4mm diameter or less is recommended; shoelaces will also work). Thread it through from back to front, like lacing shoes (back to front ensures both hands can cooperate in tying the knot at the end), paying attention to the correct orientation.

Using my daughter as a model—this is the women's version (archer's style, fits around the middle finger).

This is the men's version, based on the 2.0 design; it lacks the middle finger loop and has reserved slots for future modular expansion.