Smart cable tie

Hi guys,

let me introduce you to my Smart cable tie. Why did i name it smart you might ask? Here's why:

• prints under 10 minutes, very little filament used
• very simple reliable design
• reusable
• no TPU needed, PLA or PETG can be used
• couldn't be easier to print, prints flat on the bed, no supports or whatever needed
• hangable
• excessive length can be tucked under dedicated slit
• 10 sizes and 20 versions available
• you can upcycle PET bottle by cutting out the shape (you can use attached .dxf files for this)
• you can distinguish your cable types by color of the tie - say black for USB-C cables, white for Micro-USB cables and so on
• suitable for long cables, not suitable for short and thin cables as it can wrap around to a certain degree

Printing instructions

Print with 0,2 mm layer height and 0.3mm first layer height. I recommend to take the print off while it's hot so you can bend it a little while it's pliable. I've had better success printing in PLA rather than PETG.

Usage

Usage couldn't be simpler. Take cable of your choice, wrap the tie around, put one end through the hole and pull both ends of tie apart. If you have excessive length it can be tucked in the dedicated slit so nothing sticks out. Generally the 50-55 mm of length should be optimal for your needs. Now you can store the cable or hang it by 4 mm (diameter) hole. To untie pull the ends apart again but pull one end towards the larger part of cutout and it will release.

Files

If 10 different sizes aren't enough for you, I attached parametric model in .f3d (Fusion 360) file and by changing parameters “width”, “length”, “tooth_width” and number of teeth in sketch you can easily adjust to your needs. As always .stl, .3mf and some .step and .obj files are available.

I added new no slit version along with all .step, .obj and .dxf files if you want to laser cut these cable ties.

If you like practical things, check out my Ratchet toothpaste tube sqeezer:
[creation ratchet-toothpaste-tube-squeezer]

Cheers!

Luke