Einstar Handle MK2

Introduction

A while back I designed this other handle for the Einstar 3D Scanner:
https://www.printables.com/model/364038-einstar-handle

I used the feedback and experiences from that one and designed a new updated model.
Of course, it still has a nice outside finish without overly protruding logos.

Improvements over my previous handle

• Stiffer sides that no longer require stiffening ribs.
• Bumpers were added that prevents the scanner's front face from touching the surface you put it down on. 
• The buttons got a retaining screw that prevents them from falling out when removed from the scanners.
• The buttons have recessed symbols on their visible face now, and can also be printed in dual materials with different colored inlay.
• Contoured handle that is nicer to grip.
• Protective sides extended to protect more of the scanner.
• A tripod thread heat set insert was added, to use the scanner with a tripod without removing the handle.
• Wrist strap connection point added
• Two cold shoe-compatible mounting points were added for accessories. This allows you for example to attach a phone mount and use it for screen mirroring.
• Optional top-mounted cold shoe rail transforms the two cold shoe mounts on the side into a single top one.

Printing Instructions

To print this model, you will need a printer with a Z height of at least 195mm, so it should fit most 

There has been a significant focus on making this print without support, so all versions where the grip is printed at the same time as the body are printed fully support-free, oriented like this:

The top part of the grip inside is designed so it bridges very easily on most printers.

In versions where the grip is printed separately and glued on later, you will need some limited supports where the grip is intended to go, except in the version where you pause and slip the grip on during printing.

If you want a more grippy surface, I highly recommend applying the Fuzzy skin function in your slicer to the grip part. This is what I've done in the pictures.

For the highest possible strength, you want to print the body with a wall thickness of 2mm, to make the arms that go out just consist of walls, but a normal amount makes a pretty strong handle as well.

TPU Settings

If you are going to do a dual extrusion print with TPU for the grip, I recommend printing it with the “Fuzzy skin” function and the “Fuzzy Skin Outside Only” option turned on, the latter mostly to save time printing. I used the Cura defaults, so a 0.3mm distance and 1.25 density, but you can adjust to your liking. 

I also used two 0.4mm perimeters and an 8-10% cross 3D infill. I found lower infills create too much variance between different parts of the grip, and higher ones make it too stiff for my liking.

When you print this as a dual extrusion print with TPU for the grip and bumpers, I do recommend you select “Fuzzy skin” for the grip as a “Per Model Setting” so the bumpers are still printed smoothly. I also recommend setting the wall thickness for the bumpers to 2mm, so you get them solid, this will increase your success rate quite a bit.
 

Bill of Materials (BOM)

• 1pcs Tripod screw/d-ring with 9-11mm thread length. (I used these)
• 1pcs M3x16mm screw (for the wrist strap mount)
• 1pcs M3x30mm screw (for retaining the buttons)
• 1pcs 1/4"-20 Heat set insert (I used these)
• 2pcs M3x12mm countersunk screws (very optional, only if you want to use the top-mounted cold shoe rail or the cover plates) 

Phone holder accessories

If you want to set it up to use a phone holder like this, I recommend going with 

• Manfrotto MCPIXI Smartphone Holder (link) 
• Cold-shoe mounted ball head from Smallrig (link)

Of course, any similar products would also work, these are just the ones I've tested.

Changelog:

2023-02-09: Improved the section for printing TPU and added Phone holder parts to BOM
2023-02-11: Added a set of cover plates for the cold shoe mounts. Realigned the top-mounted cold shoe rail.
2023-02-19: Replaced the grip split in the inner and outer parts with a grip split into the left and right parts since the inner part could not be inserted if printed in a rigid material. 
2024-06-27: On request from @Turpinator_299692, Added a version where the grip is printed, the body print paused at Z=139mm, and the grip slipped on before resuming.

See the section “Improvements over my previous handle” above.