Manfrotto QR plate

After buying a Bogen/Manfrotto tripod I naturally went looking for a printable model for the quick release plate. Most of what I found looked weak and more prone to flex than I would like. So I designed a stronger one.

This plate has been tested with both Bogen 3130 and Manfrotto 128RC heads. I guess these are supposed to be the same thing, but there are some subtle differences in the ones I have. Maybe the design has changed over time. I expect the plate will fit other heads that use the 200PL system.

I could not find an official spec for the correct screw length, so I made a few variants. Obviously you want good thread engagement, but it is equally important that you don't bottom out the screw and damage the camera.

Note that all versions use 1/2" long 1/4-20 screws. The flathead is the standard 82 degree type.

With the screws I have, I measure the exposed thread length.

flatehead.stl - 5.2 mm

panhead_b.stl - 5.8 mm

panhead_a.stl exposes 1 mm more screw thread, and meant to be used with the TPU spacer, anti_slip.stl.

I printed the ones shown with 100% infill using Veracity Pro PLA, i.e. Natureworks 3D870. I annealed them for greater strength, which is why they are a bit discolored in the photos. Clamping the part between steel plates while baking eliminates warp.