Required jaw opening
Measure the workpiece stack and allow deliberate travel for the jaw cartridge, pressure cup and screw engagement.
Editable C-clamp template
Prototype a compact bench clamp with four interchangeable jaw faces
This starter builds a 55 mm-opening C-frame with a 45 mm throat, 14 mm printed power screw, hand driver, swivel pressure cup and four side-loading jaw cartridges. Calibrate the matching thread before printing the complete multi-part set.
A dimensional workholding prototype for light trials—not a load-rated clamp or evidence for lifting, structural restraint, vehicle work, pressure, electrical or overhead use.
What to measure first
The starter dimensions are there to make the controls understandable. Replace them with evidence from the real part, space and print setup.
Throat depth
Measure from the workpiece edge to the intended pressure line, then allow for the inside spine and chosen jaw face.
Contact geometry
Choose flat, V-groove, serrated or stepped jaw contact only after checking the real surface and acceptable marking risk.
Application forces
Identify load direction, leverage, vibration, heat and consequences of release for a separate physical risk assessment.
Published starter settings
These values produce the preview shown above. They remain editable after the template opens in the EazyMake studio.
Usable opening55 mmClear height inside the C-frame before closing the screw.
Inside throat45 mmDistance from the inside spine to the squared jaw end.
Frame16 × 28 mmFrame thickness × clamp width; dimensions do not establish strength.
Power screwØ14 × 3 mm pitch80 mm long right-hand trapezoidal printed thread.
Thread clearance0.30 mm radialTrials compare 0.20, 0.30 and 0.40 mm on the same thread.
Pressure endØ22 × 10 mm cupSeparate swivel pressure cup driven by the printed screw.
Jaw setFour 4 mm cartridgesFlat, V-groove, serrated and stepped faces share one captive rail.
From measurement to printable part
The generator keeps the important decisions visible and carries one parameter set through geometry, inspection, calibration and export.
Define the workholding job
Measure the required opening, throat and contact surfaces, then decide whether a printed light-duty prototype is appropriate at all.
Adjust the frame and screw together
Keep screw length, frame thickness, opening and thread engagement compatible instead of changing one dimension in isolation.
Choose the contact face
Select a jaw cartridge for the trial while retaining access to all four separately printable faces in the project bundle.
Print the thread calibration set
Test the short screw against the three marked female rings and record the lowest clearance that turns without binding.
Inspect and test the complete prototype
Print the frame on its broad side, inspect layer separation before every use and keep the trial within a separately defined safe test plan.
Print notes
- Print the short screw and marked thread rings before the full frame, screw and handle using the final material and profile.
- Print the frame on its broad side and inspect the thread, inside corner, jaw rail and layer lines in the slicer.
- Every cartridge loads from the side on the same tapered captive rail; test insertion, seating and removal without forcing it.
- Inspect for cracks, creep or layer separation before every light-duty trial and stop at the first sign of damage.
Know the limits
- The clamp is not load-rated and must not be used for lifting, structural restraint, vehicle work, pressure, electrical, overhead or safety-critical loads.
- A passing thread coupon does not establish frame strength, jaw retention, pressure-cup behaviour, safe clamping force or cycle life.
- Generated geometry and a clean slice do not validate material choice, print orientation, workpiece marking or the consequences of release.
Common questions
Answers specific to this starter and the measurements it exposes.
What parts are included in the clamp project?
The generator creates the C-frame, power screw, hand driver, swivel pressure cup and four separately printable jaw cartridges: flat, V-groove, serrated and stepped.
What does the thread calibration test?
A short 14 mm, 3 mm-pitch screw is paired with marked female rings at 0.20, 0.30 and 0.40 mm radial clearance. It tests printed thread fit only.
Can I use this clamp for woodworking glue-ups?
The template does not establish safe clamping force, duration, creep or failure behaviour. Any real use needs a separate assessment and controlled physical validation for the material, print and workpiece.
Which jaw face should I choose?
Match the contact geometry to the workpiece and acceptable marking risk: flat for broad faces, V-groove for round stock, serrated for an intentionally textured contact or stepped for edge support. None is a holding-force rating.
Keep exploring
Use the guide when you need the reasoning, or open another template to see the same measurement-first workflow in a different part family.
Make this starter your own
Open the real generator, replace the example dimensions and keep the calibration result tied to your printer and material.