Universal flashlight mount - tripod / camera hot shoe

My son needed a stable way to aim a flashlight for a science project, so I made these quick and easy flashlight mounts for either a tripod or a camera hot shoe. Just put your flashlight between the pegs and secure it with a couple of rubber bands.

The STL files can accommodate most flashlights, ranging from small 1/2 inch (12.5mm) pen lights to 40mm diameter flashlights. Mine are about 30mm diameter. The max_dia parameter in the OpenSCAD source file can be adjusted to accommodate larger diameters if needed.

The screw hole is for a standard 1/4"-20 screw thread found on tripods. Because this is plastic and not metal, the threads are deliberately tight at first, maybe requiring pliers the first time you screw it on, but it gets easier with use.

These models uses OpenSCAD files from two of my other designs: Nuts&Bolt baby dexterity toy for the ISO screw threads, and Camera hot shoe adapter base / cover for the hotshoe adapter.

Print settings

Printer: Prusa MK3S

Supports: No

Resolution: 0.20-0.25mm layer height, 0.4mm nozzle

Infill: 20% gyroid

Filament: Generic PLA or PETG 

Notes:

I recommend PETG because it has better layer adhesion than PLA, and there may be delaminating stress on the part depending on the weight of your flashlight. If you use PLA, set the slicer to use a minimum of 3 perimeters and more infill density to increase the layer contact area inside the part, especially for "silk" PLA filament.

The tripod mount can use 0.20mm layers or smaller, for good screw threads. For the hot shoe mount, 0.25mm layer height works best for the hot shoe mount for a snug fit on the camera. Print the hot shoe mount with a 4mm brim to increase the small contact area on the build surface.

Category: Camera