Clever 3D-Printed Switch Designed Around Bent Paperclip

When you “3D print” an electronic device, this generally means printing the body and perhaps some internal mechanical bits. Components that actually regulate the flow of electricity, however, are generally purchased. And why not, they’re available at a very reasonable price, and few of us have the skills to make them well anyway.

But what about the humble on/off slide switch? Hacker “Aptimex” has been building his own circuits in the form of paperclips, aluminum foil, and cardboard bits for some time, and thought he could continue at least part of this tradition after obtaining a Creality Ender 3 3D printer. After not being able to find a suitable DIY switch option, he decided to design his own. What he came up with requires only a 3D printer and 6-7g of filament, along with a paper clip, pliers, wire snips, and (optionally) glue.

The project is ingeniously simple, with two segments of paper clip bent to fit the three-part printed switch housing and slide. The slide moves one to press the clip segment down and connect the circuit, and in the opposite direction to break the connection and stop electrons from flowing. It’s an interesting idea, and something that could be very useful if you aren’t able to otherwise get a switch in short order.