This product is much simpler than my previously posted USB Cable Theft Deterrent allowing it to be much stronger and robust. The entire product is a 1-piece print-in-place design.

I recommend printing this in the most durable material you have and can print with. The idea is you want maximum strength. And, to that end, your slicer settings are very important. Don’t use the default slicer settings which usually are designed for speed with 2 walls and only 15% infill or so. For all my functional designs especially this one, I recommend a minimum of 4 walls, 5 top and bottom layers, and 40% infill… 100% infill for this product.

Obviously, to be secure this USB Cable Lock needs to be secured to something else too big to be stolen or moved. A table, a pipe in the wall, a chair, anything heavy and big should do. You will want a strong cable, chain or another means to secure the device that is at least as strong as the lock and the device.

Instructions

Using the clasp is quite simple, open it, lay the cables in, and close it. Then place a lock’s shackle through the hole and attach the entire set to something. The lock shackle can be up to 6.35mm (1/4″) in diameter.

Printing

Material: I recommend PETG because it has some flex and will withstand a little more abuse in this context.  However, any material should work.

My Setting:

• Nozzle = 0.4mm
• Layer height = 0.2mm
• Line width = 0.4mm
• Wall count = 4 (1.6mm)
• Top and Bottom Layer Count = 5
• Infill = 100% for maximum strength, minimum 40% Cubic
• Ironing = ON Everywhere (to help separate the stacked layers)

Support:
Designed to print without slicer-generated support. Required support is incorporated into the design.

Print Orientation: As shown in the screenshot(s).

Assembly Notes

No assembly or post-print processing is required other than carefully removing the print support as described in the accompanying image.

The post USB Cable Lock first appeared on logicalplanet.

I have actually designed 2 versions of this concept. The first one I am referring to as a “USB Cable Theft Deterrent”. A) Because for the most part, you only need to deter this type of theft. And, B) Because I designed it to be super simple and easy to deploy (which kind of makes it not super effective as a “locking device”).

And, that is why I have developed a second version, the “Lockable USB Cable Clasp”. Not shown in this blog post, the second version is lockable – I mean, you can put a lock on it. This version is designed to be more suitable for extended absence from your chargers and more likely to lead to the charger cable still being there when you return. I will post that one as soon as it is done.

This design is print-in-place and would benefit from being printed in the most durable material you have. The idea is you want maximum strength. And, to that end, your slicer settings are very important. Don’t use the default slicer settings which usually are designed for speed with 2 walls and only 15% infill or so. For all my functional designs and especially this one, I strongly recommend a minimum of 4 walls and 40% or more infill. Let’s face it, it is plastic so no matter how strong we make it, it will not be too difficult to defeat but I do not want to make it too easy.

Regardless of which version you choose to use, you will need something to lock the device to. A table, a pipe in the wall, a chair, anything heavy and big should do. For the USB Cable Theft Deterrent, I am also providing a simple 3D printable strap that you can use to attach the device to larger objects. I am including a 180mm long and a 230mm long strap. So the photo to understand how that works.

For the Lockable USB Cable Clasp, you will want a strong cable or an other means to secure the device that is at least as strong as the lock and the device.

Printing

Material: I recommend PETG because it has some flex and will withstand a little more abuse in this context.  However, any material should work.

My Setting:

• Nozzle = 0.4mm
• Layer height = 0.2mm
• Line width = 0.4mm
• Wall count = 4 (1.6mm)
• Top and Bottom Layer Count = 5
• Infill = 40%
• Ironing = ON Everywhere 

Support:
Designed to print without slicer-generated support. Required support is incorporated into the design.

Print Orientation: As shown in the screenshot(s).

Assembly Notes

No assembly or post-print processing is required other than carefully removing the print support.

The post USB Theft Deterrent first appeared on logicalplanet.