Foldable telescopic snap lock camera mini tripod

Hi guys,

seeing the telescopic tripods that you are probably familiar with I was wondering if those can be 3D printed. So I've devised a snap lock mechanism which might be similar to those telescopic tripod but this one can be 3D printed.

You will need

• TPU
• PLA/PETG/ABS or material of your choice, PLA should be the best option here
• M3x20 bolt (9x)
• M3 nut (9x)
• ¼" camera screw
• allan key/screwdriver

from the printed parts:

• Leg outside (3x)
• Leg inside (3x)
• Insert (6x)
• Lever (3x)
• Anti slip sock (3x)
• Top plate (1x)
• Bottom plate (1x)

Printing instructions

• no supports are needed
• all parts pre-oriented, you don't need to change the orientation
• print the Insert and Anti slip components in TPU. Due to different printer tolerances I uploaded different thickness variations of the Insert. You can try them out and see which works the best for you. I used 1.15 version but you might want to go thicker. Make sure the leg slides out easily otherwise go for thinner version.

PRO tip: after printing the Leg inside part, sand the sides (including the v-slot) to get better holding force.

Assembly

Firstly, follow the assembly video below:

1. start off by taking the Leg outside component and place the Insert in. Make sure the Insert is seated correctly. 
2. proceed by inserting the Leg inside component with the round tip facing forward
3. place the second Insert  on top of the Leg inside. Again, make sure it is seated correctly.
4. put the Lever in place and screw it in with M3 nut and bolt
5. put on the Anti slip sock
6. repeat steps 1-4 for all three legs
7. screw the Bottom plate in all legs using M3 nuts and bolts
8. screw the Top plate in all legs using M3 nuts and bolts
9. place the ¼" screw in top plate and screw it into the camera

Done!

Can it hold 6 boxes of milk though? Watch here.

As always, I also post .STEP files if you are not happy with my design or it needs adjustments, feel free to post a remix!  

Cheers!

Luke