October, 2012 – Graham Miln

Printed and Perfect

My first 3D print was a blind hook for a roman blind we installed in our kitchen. The hook that came with the blind was big, ugly, and required damaging the surround of the window.

My 3D print arrived safely but I needed a specific removable sticker to put it up. At the time that meant putting the blind hook aside and waiting. A few weeks went by as I organised an Amazon order that included the “tiny” 3M Command Adhesive stickers.

The blind hook fitted perfectly on one tiny sticker and has been in use for a few weeks now. The design has been better than I hoped.

My custom printed roman blind hook and tiny 3M sticker.
My custom printed roman blind hook and tiny 3M sticker.

The print fitted perfectly onto the standard “tiny” sticker size.

My first 3D printed object perfectly in place.
My first 3D printed object perfectly in place.

Our roman blinds on our kitchen window with the custom blind hook.
Our roman blinds on our kitchen window with the custom blind hook.

The blind cords fit easily into the centre aisle.
The blind cords fit easily into the centre aisle.

A second edition is unlikely to see significant changes. The design works. It feels robust and is quick to wrap and unwrap the cord around. One change I am interested in is the material and if I can make the edges smoother.

Smoother edges would allow the cord to more easily fall into the central aisle. This though may reduce the hook’s friction based hold on the wrapped cord, so trial and error is probably needed.

Right now, my first 3D print is in use. I see it everyday, at every meal, and I love it.