Alligator Chip Clip

A revised version of my previous gator chip clip! Put the chip bag in the jaws and use the tail to cam-lock the clip closed. I wanted to improve the printability of the design and make it totally print-in-place. 

• Changed the orientation of the .stl file so that it should appear in the proper orientation for printing in the slicer
• Squared off the jaw to improve grip strength and make the gator easier to print without supports
• Edited the eyes so that they have improved appearance when printed without supports
• Rounded off the end of the tail so it isn’t so pointy and made the tail tuck under better when the clip is closed
• Increased clearances to make it easier to break the hinge free after printing.
• Increased tail cross-section to make it stronger.

Print instructions

Print the chip clip with the flat side of the tail lying flat on the print bed.  Supports shouldn’t be necessary.  After printing, gently move the tail to free-up the rotating joint and cam mechanism. You may want to increase the infill to 50%+ or increase the number of perimeter layers to 3 or more make sure the tail doesn’t break at the hinge when breaking it free. This design will work in PLA, but may perform better when printed in PETG due to the spring design.

Print Settings

Printer Brand: Prusa

Printer: Mini

Rafts: Doesn't Matter

Supports: no

Resolution: 0.20

Infill: 50%

Perimeters: 3

Filament: Prusament
Notes:  Improved snap action August, 2022,  increased clearances March 2023, increased tail cross-section April 2023.