Raven Ice Axe Handle Grip

I printed 0.20mm layers of TPU 95A with no supports, half speed. I used 6 walls and 50% gyroid infill for a very solid grip and pummel. I scuffed all surfaces with sandpaper to take off the TPU shine and increase grip just a touch more. (I removed the prototype grip holes for a more consistent vertical print quality.)

This is designed for a very tight fit and an even tighter tiny retention lip on the inside of the grip. I sprayed the handle with isopropyl alcohol and pushed it into place. I haven't tried this in freezing ambient temps yet, but TPU should contract faster than aluminum for an even tighter fit. At this point, in room temperatures, I think I would have to cut the grip off with a blade after the IPA dried. (If slippage becomes an issue, a wrap of tape above and below the printed grip should solve that problem.)

I am printing the longer model now. No supports, but brims just because. At layer 743/923 quality is good and consistent. I do have volumetric flow down to 6 even with “high speed” TPU … I have found results are reliable this way.

For a set of good covers for the Raven type axe, check out this other model I made!