A 3D printed clamp is strong enough for light work if you follow the designer’s settings: about five walls and 30% infill, according to 3D PrintSmith, a YouTube channel that built a trending clamp by Lobo CNC in PETG, PLA and TPU.
Teaching Tech, a YouTube channel that tests printers and workshop prints, showed a Mantis clamp that held a PCB and its own weight while staying easy to open.
This guide covers printable clamps and vises, the print settings designers recommend, and the jobs where metal clamps are the better choice.
Types of 3D Printed Clamp
Prices checked on Amazon Oct 16, 2026. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
| Clamp | Good for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Spring clamps | Gluing small parts, holding cloth | PETG spring; TPU tips |
| Mantis or PCB clamps | Electronics and models | Small and gentle |
| Toggle and cam clamps | Jigs and fixtures | Metal pins |
| Corner clamps | Frames and boxes | Print reference faces flat |
| Pipe and cup-holder clamps | Mounts | PETG or ASA |
3D Printed Vises and Soft Jaws
Small printed bench vises hold models and electronics. Printed soft jaws in TPU or PLA protect finished parts in a metal vise. Industrial companies like Stratasys and Markforged print soft jaws for machine shops, but they use engineering materials.
Print Settings for Strong Clamps
- 4 to 5 walls and about 30% infill or more
- PETG for springs and levers; TPU for non-marring tips
- Orient the part so clamping force does not pull layers apart
- Use metal pins and screws at pivots
For heavy woodworking clamping pressure, buy steel clamps. Print the clamp rack instead (see woodworking jigs).
Best Printers for Clamps
| Printer | Price (Amazon, Oct 16, 2026) | Why it fits | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab P1S Combo | $549.00 | Enclosed, so ASA and ABS shop parts are practical | Check price |
| Bambu Lab A1 | $299.99 | Great value for PLA and PETG holders and jigs | Check price |
| Elegoo Centauri 2 Combo | $328.99 | Enclosed CoreXY with 4-color at a lower price | Check price |
What YouTube Creators Found About 3D Printed Clamps
These are findings from popular YouTube videos, paraphrased from their transcripts and credited. They are the creators’ experiences and claims, not my test results.
- 3D PrintSmith (3D PrintSmith: “Is a 3d printed clamp strong enough?”) tested a trending clamp by Lobo CNC. He printed the spring, pin and lever in PETG, the handles in matte PLA and the tips in gray TPU. He followed the designer’s advice of about five walls and 30% infill, and noted that assembly order matters.
- Teaching Tech (Teaching Tech: “12 more 3D printed tools you need for your workshop”) showed the Mantis Clamp by Zubirio, which held a PCB and its own weight while staying easy to open, and a bench vise by Snakes as his favorite.
- John Heisz (John Heisz – I Build It: “Powerful Clamp Action FAST!”) built a fast-acting clamp in wood with threaded rod and shared free templates and 3D print files.
A Fast-Action Clamp Build
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 3D printed clamps strong enough for woodworking?
For small glue-ups and holding, yes. For big panels, use steel bar clamps.
What filament is best for clamps?
PETG for springs and levers, PLA for stiff handles, TPU for soft tips.
Can I print vise soft jaws?
Yes. TPU or PLA jaws protect finished parts in a metal vise.
Why did my printed clamp snap?
Usually at the layer lines. Reorient the part, add walls or switch to PETG.
Sources
- 3D PrintSmith: “Is a 3d printed clamp strong enough?”
- Teaching Tech: “12 more 3D printed tools”
- John Heisz – I Build It: “Powerful Clamp Action FAST!”
- Stratasys: “The Benefits of 3D Printed Soft Jaws”
- Amazon product listings for the printers linked above, October 16, 2026
Related: 3D Prints for Garage Organization | PLA vs PETG for Beginners | How to 3D Print Replacement Parts | Bambu Lab A1 vs P1S
Notes and disclosure
Note: Printer prices come from Amazon listings on October 16, 2026 and change often. The ideas below come from popular YouTube creators and Reddit threads, credited where used. My own hands-on results will be added after my planned test prints.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase an item through the links on this page, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel.