Last week I used my phone as a GPS in my car and a problem quickly appeared. My phone was moving on the dashboard at every turn. That is why I decided to design and 3D print my own car phone holder.
Design
I had never done 3D modeling so Denis advised me to use Natural Shape which is very simple to handle. The main part is composed of two pieces which will be connected by a small strap. This feature allow to use different sizes of phones with the same holder. The holder is designed to be fixed in portrait or landscape position. The maximum thickness of the phone is 15mm this allows placing the phone without removing the case. The maximum width is 85mm and the maximum height is variable.
The remaining part is to fix the holder to the car. I have choose to use the air vent to fix the holder. Inspired by objects that attach the same way I have design this piece. One fixer is needed to have your phone in portrait position and two for the landscape position.
After this first design experience, it's time to 3D print it!
Printing
I have print my pieces on the FDM printer. Planned printing time was :
Fixer x2 |
30m each |
Top part |
1h30 |
Bottom part |
2h |
Total |
4h30 |
The printing time was longer than the given estimation because the platform needs to warm up and cool down between each parts.
The first part was printed without problems.
The second is curved on its base whereas it should have been straight. My phone is slightly curved so it looks nice and fits perfectly :) . Moreover, supports have left a mark on the back of the piece. I have file carefully the piece to make it less visible.
The fixers fits perfectly in the holes. I left a gap of 1mm between the fixer and the other piece and if the space was smaller the fixer couldn't fit in the piece.
Thank you to everyone who helped me and given advice at the FabLab !
You can download the STL files here :
Top part Bottom part Fixer
The result in my car