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Universal Clip - Self Tightening

3D-printable clip-on clamp to quickly mount and tension backdrops & greenscreens on a cameraset without damaging the material! Can also be used for tarps, banners, mesh screens, shade cloths, camping covers, towels, etcetera to the ground or ropes!

It uses a tension-based wedge-lock to provide a quick, reusable anchor point without punching holes or damaging your fabric! The self-tightening wedge mechanism automatically increases the grip level as load is applied, making the system perfect to mount materials that need to be tensioned, while being extremely reliable to use, even during load!

Key Features & Advantages

  • Hole-Free Instant Attachment: Secures directly onto hemmed or unhemmed fabric up to 1.5 mm thick without puncturing or tearing.

  • Self-Tightening Wedge Mechanism: Features a tapered slide-and-cam design that increases jaw tension under load, preventing slip under heavy wind or high tension.

  • Zero-Tool Installation: Easily hand-fitted and released in seconds, allowing rapid adjustments or temporary rigging on-site.

  • Optimized for FDM 3D printing: Tailored for quick 3Dprinting without support material, utilizing the ribbed texture of print-layers to maximize grip.

  • Locking mechanism: Added geometry to prevent the 2 parts from separating by themselves when not in use, or stored in a bag

Version Guide

There are 2 versions available;

  • The standard version uses a single, extruded bulge to grip the material. It is safe to use and won't be able to damage your cloth or material (Thin plastic can still deform permanently)

  • The Xtreme version has a click-in/ replaceable grip plate, which uses negatively tapered grip teeth to get a significantly stronger grip on your material. During very heavy load, it can however cause damage to fine cloth, so use with caution. The plate is easily replaceable in case the teeth get dull or damaged.

Primary Applications

  • Camping & Outdoor Gear: Custom tie-down points for rain / sun covers, groundsheets, and tarps.

  • Banners & Signage: Temporary or permanent mounting of vinyl banners, mesh posters, and event displays.

  • Agriculture & Gardening: Securing shade nets, greenhouse plastic, weed barriers, and frost protection covers.

  • Boating & Automotive: Fastening boat covers, trailer tarps, and custom sunshades.

Installation & Operating Guide

  1. Position the Wedge: Slide the locking collar back to fully open the wedge jaws.

  2. Insert Material: Fold or place the edge or corner of the sheet/tarp deep into the jaw cavity.

  3. Engage the Lock: Slide the collar forward toward the nose until tight against the fabric.

  4. Apply Tension: Attach a cord, carabiner or tent peg through the 9mm eyelet hole. Pulling the line automatically draws the wedge tighter into the sleeve.

  5. Release: Relieve tension on the line and press the collar backward to release the grip instantly.

Technical Specifications & Print Recommendations

Specification / Parameter

Details / Recommended Setting

Max Load Rating

Standard version; ~30 kg (Failure type; Material slips)
Xtreme version; ~50 kg (Failure type; Material tears or Print breaks)
(when printed in PETG at recommended settings)

Recommended Filament

PETG (General outdoor), ASA (UV/Weather critical), PA-CF / Nylon (Heavy load). Do not print in PLA

Print Orientation

Pre-oriented

Layer Height

0.16 mm or lower

Perimeters / Walls

4–5 walls (1.6 mm–2.0 mm total wall thickness)

Speed

Print slow (40mm/s - 60mm/s) to allow the layers to bond well
Prusa STRUCTURAL profiles are tested and good

Fan

Keep fan <40% for majority of print, set fan speed 100% for bridges

Infill

40%–60% (Gyroid or Cubic infill for uniform strength)

Supports Needed

None

Keywords;
Greenscreen / Backdrop / Universal Clip / Banner Clip / Tarp Clip / Camping Clip

Universal Clip - Self Tightening

by Voxel3D_NL · original on Printables ↗

Hobby & Makers / Tools

♥ 2.1k⬇ 3.2k🖨 16 prints

License: Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial ↗towelclipbeachcampingtowelholdersummercampertowelhangeranchorsummertimebeachtowelcamptarptowelcliptarpclipsummercampbeachaccesorycampingaccessorycampinggearcampingaccessoriestarpanchor

Print profiles

  • Wedge-Lock (Set).stlDEFAULT

    ⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)

    Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.

    Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA

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  • Wedge-Lock - Xtreme (Set).stl

    ⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)

    Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.

    Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA

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  • Wedge-Lock - Xtreme (Grip plate).stl

    ⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)

    Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.

    Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA

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  • Wedge-Lock (Top).stl

    ⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)

    Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.

    Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA

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  • Wedge-Lock - Xtreme (Top).stl

    ⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)

    Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.

    Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA

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  • Wedge-Lock - Xtreme (Base).stl

    ⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)

    Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.

    Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA

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  • Wedge-Lock (Base).stl

    ⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)

    Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.

    Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA

    Order this print