Customizable Articulated Print-in-Place Key Tag

This articulated key tag allows customized text messages. Included is a collection of letters, numbers and symbols. You can also use the blank building block (included in the symbols folder) to create your own text or symbol.  A complete tag chain includes a head block, one or more text/character blocks, and a tail block; two different head blocks are included, one with a vertical hole and one with a horizontal hole (depending on which orientation you want for the ring).  In addition to a plain tail block, there are two alternate tails (one with a vertical hole and one with a horizontal hole) to allow adding things to the end of the key tag.

STEP files are also included for the two head blocks, the blank block, and the three tail blocks.

2023-12-02 Update: Per request, added a “Star” block to the Symbols folder.

2024-01-20 Update: Per request, added two alternate tails (with vertical and horizontal holes) to allow chaining together multiple tags, or adding additional items to the end of the key tag.

2024-10-04 Update: Per request, added two alternate heads and two alternate tails with thicker (more sturdy) rings.  The horizontal and vertical holes of these new pieces were moved closer to the center of the head or tail piece.

Creating a key tag:

1. Add the desired head block (vertical or horizontal hole) to the slicer, and place it at  convenient coordinates on the build plate (choose nice round numbers to make it easier to place the other pieces).
2. Add the desired text/character blocks in a column, with each block offset 10mm from the previous one.
3. Add the desired tail block (also offset 10mm from the last text/character block).
4. Add filament color changes as desired.

Miscellaneous Notes/Comments:

• Print using PLA with a 0.4mm nozzle and 0.15mm layer height.
• No supports are required, but depending on the filament brand, you might want to paint some supports around the hole in the head block (and the tail block if using one of the tail blocks with a hole), as the overhangs could get messy if the filament is too runny.
• If you want to create your own custom blocks, raising the shapes 0.6mm above the top of the blank block works well.