Magnetic Clip - Strong Hold & Quick Release

Magnetic Clip - Strong Hold & Quick Release

A small but pretty useful thing. You need something attached securely, but you still want to use it freely on its own in the next moment. And then secure it again quickly and reliably. The Magnetic Clip (which you’ve surely seen before) is ideal for this purpose. I recently needed one for my outdoor backpack, so I decided to design it myself in Fusion.

The result is a Fully parametric model that allows you to create a Magnetic Clip in various sizes - depending on the magnet used, or based on size requirements (larger for easier handling, or as slim as possible). The model is available via the MakerWorld Parametric Generator - Customize feature (see below for instructions on how to use it)

Parameters

The model allows you to enter parameters that affect its shape, size, and other properties (all values are entered in mm):

Technical note: Individual parameters may have a limited range of values that can be entered. This may be a specific value, or the parameter may depend on another parameter (so that their combination makes sense). Any restrictions are listed in the description of each parameter below. 

If an invalid parameter is entered, the generator automatically adjusts it to the closest possible valid value. Unfortunately, the MW generator does not allow such a correction to be reported to the user via an error or warning message. Moreover the value you have entered is not even changed on the screen. The incorrect parameter is simply "silently" changed in the background (I admit it’s not ideal, but there’s nothing I can do about it)

• Magnet_Dia - main parameter – the diameter of the magnet you intend to use. The smallest possible size is 4 mm. Maximum 30.2 mm
  
  Tip:  When entering the magnet diameter, keep in mind that a 3D printer never prints a hole with perfect exact precision - it usually comes out slightly smaller. For trouble-free magnet installation, you need to enter a hole size that is "slightly" larger. "SLIGHTLY" may depend on the printer settings/calibration and the filament used, but I have personally found that adding +0.2 mm works well. For example for 8 mm diameter magnet, enter a value of 8.2 mm

• Magnet_Thick - magnet thickness. The minimum is 1 mm. 
  
  Again, I recommend entering a value slightly larger than the actual/measured thickness (see tip above) and I’ve found it works well to add +0.2 mm. For 3 mm thick magnet, enter 3.2 mm

• HEX_Size - size of the main body of the clip. This allows you to make the clip more robust or, conversely, as small as possible. The value is adjusted according to the previously entered Magnet_Dia
  
  Minimum = (Magnet_Dia * 1.25) + (2*2mm). The reason is to ensure the model’s strength - there is enough material around the hole for the magnet
  
  Tip: If you want the clip to be as small/slim as possible, enter HEX_Size=1 … which, of course is incorrect (isn’t enough)… so the generator will adjust it to the smallest possible valid value/size.
  
   
• Body_Length - the length of the main body part (as whole clip has two halves/parts .. that mean Body length of ONE part/half). It’s up to you whether you want the clip to be as short as possible or if a longer body suits your needs.
  Minimum = Magnet_Thick + 2mm
  
   
• Neck_Length - length of the connecting section between the main body and the end piece with the eyelet. Different Neck lengths affect the "aesthetic result" of the created clip. Sometimes a little bit "longer' neck gives nicer (more pleasing) result. Feel free to experiment … 
  Minimum = 3mm
   
• End_Length - length of the End piece with the hole/eye for attachment (the height of the end piece is the same as HEX_Size)
  Minimum = 7mm
   

• Hole_Dia - diameter of the hole in the End part
  Minimum - sufficient material must remain around the hole (at least 2 mm on each side). If the Hole_Dia value is too large, it will be adjusted to meet this condition, taking into account which dimension is more restrictive - either the length (End_Length value) or the height (HEX_Size value). If the generator does not allow you to create a hole with a sufficiently large/desired diameter, you simply need to increase the HEX_Size or End_Length values
  
   

  
   

• Slide_Block (optional feature). 
  
  If Slide_Block is enabled, a "rim" is created along the edges of both clip parts, which (to a certain extent) prevents “side-movement”. The clip can then only be separated by pulling "apart" rather than "sliding sideways."  The goal is to increase the force required to separate the two parts of the clip (pulling apart requires significantly more force than sliding sideways) and prevent unintended separation, e.g., when moving through terrain/brush. Additionally, it ensures that both parts of the joined clip will have "aligned edges" (which is just an aesthetic effect)
  
  value = 1   Slide_Block  rim is created. 

  value = 0   Slide Block rim is not created - the faces of both clip parts remain "smooth"
  The default setting is 1 = enabled
  
  Note1: The size of the edge corresponds to the size of the clip (it changes automatically based on the model size = specified parameters). By default, the edge is approximately 1.5 mm wide, but if HEX_Size >= 20 mm and Body_Length >= 10 mm, the edge will be 2.5 mm wide
  
  Note 2: Given the size of the model, the rim itself is relatively small, and its function is therefore somewhat limited - it is merely supplementary. If you apply significant force to individual parts of the clip, it will (understandably) not be able to completely prevent "sideways slippage." Therefore, consider it only as an additional feature.

Printing

You can print the model from virtually any material. PLA is sufficient for general home/indoor/test use. 

PETG is likely more suitable for normal outdoor use. 

For long-term exposure to outdoor conditions, ABS/ASA is the most suitable option.

Printing the model does not require support.

Printing with a layer height of 0.20 mm is fully sufficient

The model includes one pre-prepared PrintProfile with a sample clip featuring the following parameters

Magnet 8x3mm (dimensions Magnet_Dia = 8.2mm and Magnet_Thick = 3.2mm)

• Hex_Size 13 mm
• Body_Length 8 mm
• Neck_Length 3 mm
• End_Length 10 mm
• Hole_Dia = 5 mm
• Side_Block = 1 (enabled)

In addition to this sample model, you can GENERATE a clip of any size according to your requirements

Installing the Magnet

I recommend gluing the magnets in place - I’ve found super glue to work well.

Using the CUSTOMIZE Generator

The model generator based on user parameters is available via the CUSTOMIZE function. On the model page, click the CUSTOMIZE button. 

A screen will appear where you can enter the desired parameters on the left side (see above for explanations)

1. Enter the desired parameters

2. Click the GENERATE button and the your personal model will be generated (this may take a moment .. be patient). Once generation is complete, a message will appear and the generated object/Clip will be displayed on the screen. Check if it really is what you want .. 

3. Now you can download the generated Clip using the DOWNLOAD button (I recommend 3MF) or you can change the parameters and repeat the generation

4. After downloading .. open the downloaded 3MF file in Bambu Studio and proceed as usual (Slice/Print)

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Enjoy your outdoor activity with new Magnet Clip