August 21, 2025
Description
UPDATE: I've added the step files to the files section for this. It's not perfect, and I don't think I'll work on it any longer, but someone else is welcome to tweak and improve the design if they wish.
The clamp design, specifically the interface between the clamps and the holder, is very inspired by the amazing Desk Clamp by Hein, which can be found here: https://www.printables.com/model/508193-desk-clamp-modular
I didn't upload this as a remix because it's all from scratch, but obviously the concept of the interface between the clamp and the holder is directly related. It's a neat design, and it can be printed without supports. I made it my own because I wanted to experiment with 3D printing threads. It is not compatible (I checked just before uploading, and my interface is smaller) with Hein's design.
I have a small desk for my gaming PC, and I happen to use a Sabrent 10 port powered hub to connect various sim peripherals to the PC. It takes up a non trivial amount of space on the desktop. This mount clamps to the side of the desk, the hub can be slid into the holder, and then connected with the power and PC usb connection at the back, and the peripherals out the side.
In it's provided orientation, it is designed for the left side of a desk. If you want to mount it on the right, just mirror the Sabrent holder part to orient it for the right side. I haven't tested that, but it should still fit and line up correctly.
Printing, I just used PLA, though I intended to use ABS or ASA originally, and just print the test in PLA. The test print went together so well, I just stuck with it. PLA has enough strength, just don't go full ape when you tighten it. For settings, I went with 4 perimeters and 5 top and bottom layers, with a 0.4 nozzle, and 0.2 layer heights. That seems to be plenty strong. PETG might be a better choice for the clamp, though you need to be printing clean for the threads. All parts are already in their intended orientations, and I do recommend tree supports. If your bridging is on point, you probably don't need them, but I just went with. I've included screenshots of the plate sliced and unsliced for reference.
Assembly is easy. Print 1 holder, print 2 clamps and 2 screw parts. Remove your supports (if you used them), and screw the screws into the clamp pieces. The Clamp pieces interface to the holder via the triangular posts, so just slide the clamps onto those posts. From there, just clamp it to your desk.
Everything is designed with a 0.3mm tolerance on the mating surfaces, which means the Sabrent hub should just slide in, for a snug, but easy enough to remove if you want, fit. The screws should thread into the clamp parts with a little snugness, but again, easy enough to turn. If you're finding you need to force it, check your calibration on your extruder, or your extrusion multiplier, as you are most likely overextruding a little. If things are too loose, you may be under extruding.
I am planning to add a foot / cap for the screw, with the intent that it should be printed in TPU, though it's not needed, as the raw material generates enough friction to stay in place, unless you intend on being pretty rough with it. The cap will work with the existing files, the screw piece is already designed to accept one.
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial — Share Alike