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Looks like a poor match for FDM printing. There's no orientation where the layers won't leave some part of this component very weak. In any orientation, it requires support material; in the suggested print orientation, it requires internal support material, which will leave rough surfaces on areas of the part that have to interface and fit with the ethernet jack.

Essentially doesn't really look like a 3D-printing project so much as an injection moulded part design.



This print would work fine. The forces cables are subjected to are far lower than the break point of the Z-axis layers. I would print in another orientation that had less interior fill.


The comments on thingiverse are full of people saying they printed multiples and all of them broke when used.


Material used is rather important. PLA, which is probably the most common 3d printing material, is very prone to stress fractures. ABS on the other hand would probably do alright in this application.


I'd use flex filament. But pla is fine. Just increase perimeters. I'll print it when I get back from turkeyfest


Flex filament is probably too flexy. The trouble with PLA is that it essentially starts forming cracks at zero force. If you keep PLA under load it's only a question of how long it takes before it breaks. E.g. making a coat hook from PLA would probably work fine for a long long time, but one day it will break, Even if you just hang a coat from it and never touch it again.


> Printing the tab from the base to the tip in X-Y axis makes it stronger and more flexible since its printed in one continued string.

The component won't be undergoing any stress at all, and for a continual print like above it will be plenty strong for the application.


> The component won't be undergoing any stress at all

It has a compliant clip that bends to clip and release; its entire purpose is to retain cables against being pulled out of sockets; and it is designed to press-fit around the body of an ethernet connector which, if it is not too loose or a perfect fit, will subject it to a continual stress.

Are you looking at a different object than me?


Just printed one and it works perfect with PETG. PLA was more brittle and I can see it would break easier for people.


What about sla?


Sla should be fine. However I do believe this part can be redesigned to become fdm friendly


FDM prints are usually stronger than SLA prints.

Not sure why you think an FDM printer can't print this component with sufficient strength, it'll be plenty strong enough.




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