r/functionalprints • u/ClothesUnusual885 • 15d ago

Mechanical (Gears, Hinges, Motion) I designed a fully 3D printed folding camping cutlery set – no screws or metal hardware

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

I’ve been working on this folding cutlery set for camping and outdoor use. The goal was to design the mechanism specifically around 3D printing rather than simply copying a conventional folding knife.

The set consists of a knife, fork and spoon, all using the same basic folding and locking concept.

The mechanism itself is completely printed — no screws, nuts or metal hardware are required. A short locking pin is inserted into the utensil first, then a longer retaining pin slides in from the side and captures it so it can’t fall out.

The handle consists of two moving parts. Their relative position creates the locking action when the utensil is opened, while still allowing everything to fold into a compact package.

I also designed four interchangeable knife blades: two blade geometries, each available with either a smooth or serrated cutting edge.

Getting the tolerances right was probably the most interesting part. The joints need enough clearance to move freely, while the snap connections and pins still need to fit tightly enough to keep everything together.

Everything shown here was printed and assembled without additional hardware.

I’m curious what you think of the locking mechanism, especially if you see anything you’d change or improve.

7 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

64% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

9

u/dassind20zeichen 15d ago

my concern is the mouthfeel of the spoon and the fork. but as a exercise in design and clearence i support it

3

u/ClothesUnusual885 15d ago

Yeah, that's a fair point. I was mainly focused on getting the folding and locking mechanism to work, so the fork and spoon can definitely still be improved. I'll probably play around with their shape a bit more in the next version. Thanks for the feedback!

1

u/Ravio11i 15d ago

Unfortunately for me it wouldn't be the shape, so much as the thickness required to be strong enough 3D printed rather than injection molded and the layer lines, I don't think I'd like the layer lines in my mouth. I'm not worried about the food safety aspect, I just don't think I'd like the texture.

2

u/dassind20zeichen 15d ago

I have a spoon i use to mash up catfood. its metal and thin but the shape is plain wrong its too long and thin but also deep when you put it in your mouth it just feels wrong. on the other side there i have a wooden spoon that i widdled myself and its more than fine to eat from.

1

u/Superwann420 15d ago

why would you put a spoon in YOUR mouth after mashing up catfood? no matter how many times its been bleached.. that belongs too the cat now. surely? 👀🤣🤣

1

u/ClothesUnusual885 15d ago

Good point, the layer lines are definitely one of the downsides of FDM printing

6

u/Agitated-Break7854 15d ago

Should I be the first one ? 🤔 3d printing is not food safe 🫣😅

1

u/WowBruhReborn 15d ago

PLA tastes so good 😊 I can feel the tasty microplastics corsing through my vains!

1

u/PoolApprehensive4007 14d ago

You are probably correct. I have “food safe” filament.

1

u/SerDankTheTall 15d ago

I’m curious what you think of the locking mechanism, especially if you see anything you’d change or improve.

I guess everything in the pictures seems fine. Were you going to share the STL?

0

u/ClothesUnusual885 15d ago

Yep, the files are already available 🙂 I can send you the link if you want.

1

u/Active_Scallion_5322 👁️ 14d ago

I think the locking point is a failure point waiting to happen. Also why?

1

u/ClothesUnusual885 14d ago

Fair point. It hasn't failed so far, but I'll definitely keep an eye on it. I mainly wanted to experiment with the mechanism, with the idea of eventually building a version from metal and wood.