3D printing power cable supports?

General Discvssions & Theory/Vnderstanding
1

I’m on a quest and requesting assistance from folks a bit more technically savvy than I.

I have access to a decent 3D printer and supplies. I would like to come up with some kind of cable support accessory for some of these thick power chords we are using. Specifically on the back side of the equipment we plug into and I would also like to make custom outlet covers that provide support at the outlet too. :flushed:
Im also open to any ideas for an accessory that provides cable support of a different style or design. It bothers me to see these thick cables applying strain to the contact points on the equipment and my outlets. :triumph:

Can anyone help? Do any of you have access to the software so that we can design our own product or know of any available files online I can download and try out?

I would be happy to repay the favor by sending you as many pieces as you need of anything we can come up with for your own use once I have made and tested products that function.

2

I use a piece of dense foam it’s not pretty but it works well. For the AC outlet side that would be a cool project though as it would be visible and would be nice to have something that looks cool.

I know there are retail solutions for what you’re asking but I’m sure they’ll have the audiophile tax because reduced sonic resonances or something like that, not just supporting your loose plug. lol

2 Likes
3

I’ve been trying to come up with something, anything besides making cute little minion figurines to clutter my desk at work.
We have made all sorts of brackets, mounts, holders, and even started making replacement plugs for some of our communications equipment. Most of these files are available to the technical community. I’m working on getting myself into a CAD class and eventually getting the full software suite but in the meantime I figured it could not hurt to ask the folks here for help.
I would even love to come up with some designs for cable support on the ground for speaker wires. That would be fun :hugs:

I’m open to ideas for products that make our life better, I will eventually learn and get better at this. :pinched_fingers:

2 Likes
4

For equipment sitting on shelves, you could design a bracket that clamps to the shelve and holds the cable using some velcro-strap or similar.
Walloutlet side is going to be difficult due to lack of mounting points (If I see anyone here stick random stuff into their outlet, I will find you!)

2 Likes
5

Looking around last night, this is as elegant a solution as there’s going to be IMO.

https://www.cablesupportplate.com/

1 Like
6

This thread has made me appreciate the EU sockets more. I grew up with UK ones and always felt they were a bit easier to use since the EU ones are countersunk, making it sometimes hard to seat or remove a plug, I just realised why and what a bonus that is.

4 Likes
7

You had me at your healthcare system. The AC outlets is the icing on the cake.

6 Likes
8

Yes…stuff like that. I bet i can duplicate something like or better than that for pennies on the dollar :face_with_monocle:. Whats the point to having the machine if you cant save and make your money back off it

9

You can see that’s exactly what they did. I’m sure it’s a five minute project for someone.

Thinking about it though, all you really need to design is the crescent, the plate can be off the shelf. If you simply bond a crescent onto the plate.

10

I want solid one piece designs if possible to avoid glue and use the material as thick as can be to add proper rigidity and strength… i’m sure someone somewhere posted a file or someone can design us one i can print and try

1 Like
11

I know someone who might be able to replicate that let me ask

1 Like
12

Do you have the radius that you’d like to have for the holder?

13

I’d be surprised if there wasn’t a design close to that already on thingiverse.
Is the printer FDM, or SLA, for FDM, you’d probably have to print it vertically with support or add a rib below the support plate to relieve the stress.

1 Like
14

my friend is going to take this and modify it

he just needs the dimensions you guys are looking for which im assuming is for how much support is needed (radius and depth)

3 Likes
15

The printer is a basic Dremel model Digilab 3d45. Uses basic PLA spools. And has enough room inside to make the kind of products I’m thinking of.
I’ll spend some time the next few days getting some dimensions together for basic duplex and quad outlet covers and I’ll also take a look at the back of different amps and DAC’s and see what if anything I can come up with that might resemble a brace like support that would snug up against the back of a piece and provide some sort of pressure relief.
Oh, excited. :+1:

Again, Input is appreciated, I’ll pay you back by making pieces for your own use!

16

sounds great. If you can just measure one of your cables I can probably send you a file in a couple of hours that you can already print and try out

1 Like
17

The subwoofer power chords that need single duplex outlet covers are 1 1/2 inches thick and need the plate to extend a full 2” to reach the thick part. 2 1/2 “ length would allow it to capture the whole head.
The bottom outlet is where the requirement would be. We can leave the top outlet open or it would interfere with the extension otherwise.

image
image3024×4032 3.88 MB

18
1 Like
19

Yes, those are the ones i want to print myself :+1: