Minimalistic Flexible Key Tags

When doing a print that is only a few layers thick, I am alwas amazed how flexible the printed plastic is. Almost as flexible as paper.

I wanted to design a model that uses this flexibility for quite some time, but never had a good idea. When the Prusa key tags contest went live I thoght immediately of a super thin key tag, that can be attached to a key or a key ring by folding the plastic like the paper baggage tags on an airport.

So I went through quite a lot of iterations and finally ended up at the current design.

The key tags are only 3 0.2mm layers thick and use only a minimal amount of plastic (1.2g for the smallest to 2.7g for the biggest key tag). If you need a bigger numer of key tags this can potentially save quite some resources. 

How to use

• Make sure that the key or key ring fits easily over the key tag. You should not need to fold it. If it does not fit, use a smaller tag or a larger key ring.
• Place the key or key ring between the two cut-outs.
• Fold the key tag by slightly twisting the label part and thread it through the circular cut-out.
• Pull the label part through until the circular cut-out meets the narrow part of the key tag.

Options

Print Settings

• 100% infill
• 0.2 mm layer hight
• PETG is probably best due to its flexibility. But PLA and ABS also worked fine for me.

Note on durability

While being quite robust, the design is not as durable as other key tags. Especially when you try to fold the tag, where it loops around the key chain. This part should always have a nice bend.

Note regarding the keys on the pictures

They are all old keys of locks that are not in use any more.