3D printed backpack snap-fit clips

Project data
Type
Authors Renata Putzig
Status
Years 2014
Made No
Replicated No
Cost USD 1

This type of clip is found on a variety of items, most commonly backpacks, and work well. However, I have found that if you break one, it is difficult to find a replacement, and are overpriced (typically $2-6 for 1 set!). Since it is made of plastic and only plastic, I wanted to make a parametric OpenSCAD design. There are many designs for there out already, however few provided source code and even fewer were scalable.

Bill of Materials

  • Filament of your preferred color
  • Design files as found here

Tools needed

  • MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer
  • Exacto knife or similar product for removing support structures

Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions

  • Print out the part. Be sure to generate supports for the print. Be prepared to spend time removing the the support structures.
  • Print time: ~40 mins

Cost savings

  • 3D printed part: ~50 cents (depending on size)
  • Commercial part: $2-$6
  • Minimum cost savings of 75%
Page data
Authors Renata Putzig
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Organizations MTU, MY4777, Michigan_Tech's_Open_Sustainability_Technology_Lab
Cite as Renata Putzig (2014–2025). "3D printed backpack snap-fit clips". Appropedia. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
This article is issued from Appropedia. The text is available under CC-BY-SA-4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.