Parametric Pinch 3D joint - Geometric version

DESIGN CONCEPT

This joint was designed to create a modular shelving system using the minimum number of components.

The core idea is to connect panels and rods directly, eliminating the need for traditional crossbars that normally support shelves. The result is a cleaner, lighter and more minimal structure.

The rods are positioned at 45°, a choice that improves structural rigidity while also creating a distinctive visual effect. The panel slightly extends beyond the joint, visually “emptying” the corner and giving the shelf a lighter and more dynamic appearance.

The geometry has been carefully optimized for FDM 3D printing, ensuring:

• Strong mechanical performance (max load per shelf: 10Kg, with a shelving unit of maximum 5 shelves)
• Accurate alignment of the elements
• Easy and intuitive assembly

In the image below, you can see the dimensions of the joint on which our design, including the structural analysis, is based.

These dimensions follow the most common semi-finished wood sizes in the European market.
 

For the global market, a parametric version of the joint has also been included.

SPECS & FEATURES

This joint is designed to build a modular shelving system using:

• 30 × 30 mm square wooden rods*
• 18 mm thick wooden panels*

*(originally based on European wood semi-finished standard measures, but now you can edit the Parametric SCAD version to adapt it to your preferences) 
 

The system allows you to create custom shelving structures (maximum 5 shelves) with a minimal number of parts, with a max load per shelf of 10Kg.

The joint has also a Top version, designed to “close” the shelving structure on the upper top shelf.

TIPS & TRICKS

 For maximum strength and durability:

• Secure the joints to the panels using wood screws into the dedicated holes (not mandatory, the structure works anyway)*
• Print with 100% infill
• Based on structural analysis, we recommend not exceeding 800 mm plank length

*The joint tolerances have been optimized for a standard wood thickness commonly available on the European market, ensuring strong and stable connections. Screws were introduced as an additional precaution because commercially available wood panels can sometimes present slight dimensional variations (for example, 2.8–2.9 mm instead of the nominal 3.0 mm). These small discrepancies may reduce the effectiveness of the rod connection, whose tolerances were calibrated during the design process, leading to the need of screws.

We would love to see your shelves!

If you print this project, share photos of your build and let others see how you used the system.

Happy printing!

Davide & Lorenzo

Changelog

12-04-2026

• Added a second print profile with different orientation in order to decrease the amount of support needed

21-04-2026

• Added a Top joint to fully enclose the upper part of the shelving structure (updated and included in both print profiles)
• Added a Parametric version to improve compatibility with standard semi-finished wood dimensions worldwide