Printing Guide

Quick Start

Both VentSnap designs are optimized for easy printing. No supports required, no exotic materials needed. If you can print a Benchy, you can print these.

Material Selection

PETG (Recommended)

PETG is the ideal material for both attachments. It handles the heat from floor vents (typically 100-130°F) without issue, prints easily on most printers, and offers excellent durability for repeated installation and removal.

PLA / PLA+

PLA works for the Sheet Fort Clip if you're okay with potential warping over time. The clips see less sustained heat than the duct adapter. Not recommended for the Round Duct Adapter—it will deform within days of use.

ABS / ASA

Overkill for most applications, but a good choice if your vents run especially hot or if you want maximum durability. ASA is preferred for any outdoor or UV-exposed use.

Print Orientation

Sheet Fort Clip

Print with the flat base plate on the build surface and the clip mechanism facing up. This orientation requires no supports and puts layer lines in the optimal direction for clip strength.

Round Duct Adapter

Print with the round opening facing up. The transition from rectangular base to round opening is designed with appropriate draft angles to print cleanly without supports.

Detailed Settings

Setting	Sheet Fort Clip	Round Duct Adapter
Layer Height	0.2mm (0.16-0.24 acceptable)	0.2mm (0.16-0.24 acceptable)
First Layer Height	0.25mm	0.25mm
Line Width	0.4mm (match nozzle)	0.4mm (match nozzle)
Wall Count	3 minimum	3 minimum
Top/Bottom Layers	4 layers	4 layers
Infill Pattern	Gyroid or Grid	Gyroid or Grid
Infill Percentage	20-25%	15-20%
Print Speed	50-60mm/s	50-60mm/s
Supports	None	None
Bed Adhesion	Brim optional	Brim recommended

Bambu Studio / Orca Slicer Notes

We've included pre-configured .3mf project files for Bambu Lab printers. These include optimal settings and proper orientation. Simply open the file and print.

For Orca Slicer users, the Bambu .3mf files should import cleanly. Just verify your filament settings match.

Troubleshooting

Base doesn't snap into vent

The friction fit relies on precise dimensions. If your print is too loose, try adjusting your printer's XY compensation (make it slightly negative to print larger). If too tight, adjust in the opposite direction or lightly sand the edges.

Clip doesn't hold fabric

Ensure you're printing with enough walls (3 minimum) and adequate infill. The clip relies on material stiffness. PETG works better than PLA for clip spring tension.

Duct adapter doesn't seal to hose

Use a hose clamp for airtight sealing. The printed ridge provides grip but isn't designed to be airtight without a clamp. Standard 4" hose clamps are available at any hardware store.

Warping during print

Common with PETG on non-enclosed printers. Solutions: use a brim, increase bed temperature by 5°C, reduce first layer speed, ensure no drafts, or print in an enclosure.

Deformation after installation

You're probably using PLA on the duct adapter. Reprint in PETG. For the sheet fort clip, PLA may work but consider upgrading to PETG for longevity.

Scaling for Non-Standard Vents

The STL files are sized for the most common 4" × 10" floor vents (actual opening approximately 3.75" × 9.75"). For other vent sizes:

Your Vent Size	X Scale	Y Scale
4" × 10" (standard)	100%	100%
4" × 12"	100%	120%
6" × 10"	150%	100%
6" × 12"	150%	120%
2" × 10"	50%	100%

Print Time Estimates

These times assume a 0.4mm nozzle at 50mm/s with the recommended settings:

• Sheet Fort Clip: 2-3 hours, ~80g filament
• Round Duct Adapter: 3-4 hours, ~120g filament

Faster printers (Bambu, Voron, etc.) can cut these times in half with appropriate settings.