Description

Tired of your awning flapping in the wind? Me too. I tried printing the classic snap-fit clips, but the problem is always the same: they are either too stiff to snap on, or the constant flexing breaks the plastic along the layer lines.

So, I changed my approach and designed this vertical sliding mount. How it works is super simple: instead of forcing the plastic to snap it in, the part attached to the awning smoothly slides into the base attached to the balcony railing. When a gust of wind hits, the joint remains mechanically locked horizontally. The plastic never flexes, so it never breaks.

The project is fully parametric via MakerLab. Measure your awning tube (including the rolled-up fabric) and enter the value. I also added the option to choose between a round or square/rectangular tube, so it fits any model. The base simply attaches to any railing using standard zip ties.

The customizable parameters are:

• Shape & Dimensions: Diameter for round tubes or dimensions for the rectangular bar.
• Fabric Slot: The top gap so the awning fabric doesn't get pinched.
• Sliding Tolerance: Increase this slightly if your printed parts are struggling to slide smoothly.
• Wall Thickness: To decide how beefy you want the piece to be.

Print Settings & Tips:

• Material: Use PETG or ASA. I strongly advise against PLA, as the sun and summer heat will deform it almost immediately.
• Orientation (CRUCIAL): Print the parts lying flat on their side. If you print them standing up, the wind force will pull the layers apart and the part will snap.
• Walls: Set 3 or 4 walls (wall loops). It provides the right solidity without making it a solid block. Obviously, this depends on your needs.
• Supports: None needed if printed lying on their side.

Happy printing and enjoy the shade without worrying about wind gusts! If you'd like to support me, please consider giving me a Boost. This means a lot to me, as this is the very first project I am publishing, and I hope it will be the first of many!