Easy-Chop Finger Guard

Whether you’re a home chef or a professional, protecting your fingers while cutting is always important. That’s why a finger guard is such a useful tool. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create your own custom-designed finger guard, designed with Tinkercad and brought to life with a 3D printer using Bambu slicer software and a Bambu Carbon X1 Printer. By the end, you’ll have a safe, ergonomic finger guard ready for use in your kitchen.

• Computer with internet access

• Tinkercad account

• Bambu Studio (or another slicer software)

• 3D printer - I used the Bambu Carbon X1 with a 4mm nozzle

• SD card

• PLA filament

• Sandpaper (optional, for smoothing rough edges)

Tinkercad is an intuitive online tool for creating 3D models. Even if you’re new to 3D design, you’ll be able to create a functional finger guard with just a few clicks. Here’s how to get started:

1. Open Tinkercad and create an account if you don’t have one already.
2. Once logged in, click on “Create new design.” You’ll be presented with a blank workspace where you’ll design the finger guard.
3. Design the base structure:
4. Start by selecting a basic shape (like a rectangle or cube) to form the main body of the guard.
5. Adjust the dimensions to fit comfortably over your fingers. A good size for an average adult finger guard is about 60mm in length, 30mm in width, and 20mm in height, but these dimensions can be customized for your comfort.
6. Add the finger slots:
7. Use the “hole” tool in Tinkercad to cut out spaces where your fingers will go. Make sure the slots are wide and tall enough to accommodate different finger sizes.
8. You can use simple rectangular shapes for the finger slots, or experiment with curved shapes for a more ergonomic fit.
9. Design the protective shield:
10. This part will extend from the front of the guard and protect your fingers from the blade. It should be sturdy and tall enough to act as a barrier between your fingers and the knife.
11. Use the “Cylinder” or “Box” shapes to design the shield. You can curve or angle it for better comfort and protection.

Once you’re satisfied with your design, make sure to double-check the dimensions to ensure it fits your hand comfortably

After your design is complete, it’s time to export the file so that you can prepare it for 3D printing. Tinkercad allows you to easily export files in STL format, which is commonly used for 3D printing.

1. Click on “Export” in the top-right corner of the Tinkercad window.
2. Choose the STL file format. The STL file is what you’ll load into your slicing software to create instructions for your 3D printer.

Make sure to save the STL file in a location on your computer that’s easy to access, as you’ll need it in the next step.

Now that you have your STL file, the next step is to convert it into G-code, the language that your 3D printer understands. For this, you’ll use Bambu Studio (or similar slicing software), which takes your 3D model and “slices” it into layers, providing the instructions your printer needs to create each layer.

1. Open Bambu Studio on your computer.
2. Import the STL file:
3. Click “Add File” and select the STL file you exported from Tinkercad. Your model should appear in the preview window.
4. Set the print settings:
5. For a functional and durable finger guard, use 0.2mm layer height for good detail and strength.
6. Choose PLA filament or another material of your choice. PLA is a great material for kitchen use because it’s durable, easy to print, and food-safe.
7. Set the infill percentage to around 50% to give the guard structure. You can increase this if you want a sturdier feel.
8. Orient the model:
9. Make sure the finger guard is oriented correctly on the print bed. Typically, it should be printed flat, with the flat top side facing up for the most efficient printing
10. Slice the model:
11. Click “Preview” and review the estimated print time and filament usage. The finger guard should take around 1-2 hours to print depending on the settings and your 3D printer’s speed.
12. Be sure to enable supports!
13. If everything looks good, click “Export Plate Sliced File” and save the file to your SD card or USB drive.

With the G-code file ready, it’s time to transfer it to your 3D printer. Most modern 3D printers allow you to print via SD card or USB drive, so the process is simple.

1. Insert your SD card (or USB drive) into your computer.
2. Copy the G-code file from your computer to the SD card.
3. Eject the SD card and insert it into your 3D printer.

Make sure your printer is set up correctly (filament loaded, print bed leveled, etc.) before starting the print.

Once your file is loaded onto your printer, it’s time to start the printing process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Select the file: Using your printer’s interface, navigate to the file you just transferred and select it.
2. Start the print: Once selected, the printer will begin heating up the nozzle and bed (if applicable) and start printing the finger guard layer by layer.
3. Monitor the print: Keep an eye on the first few layers to ensure everything is going smoothly. If the first layer adheres well to the print bed, the rest of the print should follow without issues.

Printing the finger guard should take about 1-2 hours depending on your printer’s speed and settings. Once the print is finished, allow it to cool before removing it from the print bed.

After removing the finger guard from the print bed, you may notice some rough edges or supports that need to be cleaned up. Here’s how to finish your print:

1. Remove supports: If your model had any supports generated during slicing, carefully remove them using pliers or your fingers.
2. Sand rough edges: Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any sharp or rough areas, especially around the finger slots where comfort is crucial. Be gentle to avoid sanding down too much material.
3. Test the fit: Try on the finger guard to make sure it fits comfortably on your fingers. Make any adjustments to the design or reprint if necessary.

This was my first time ever 3D printing so the entire process was new to me! Below are some of my major takeaways:

The first principle I learned is that successful 3D printing starts with a well-thought-out design. I discovered the importance of creating a model that is both functional and optimized for printing. Each feature must be carefully planned to ensure it prints smoothly. For example, I had to consider the thickness of the finger guard to ensure it was strong enough to protect the fingers while being thin enough to print efficiently and fit comfortably.

The next new principle was slicing. I did not know that the 3D model must be cut into thin layers for the printer to then build upon one by one. In the slicing software, I had to decide on key settings like layer height and infill percentage. I learned that finer layers produce more detailed prints, but also significantly increase the print time. In contrast, a coarser layer height speeds up the process but may result in a rougher finish. Similarly, the infill setting controls the internal structure of the print—balancing between strength and material usage.

I really enjoyed this first foray into 3D printing and hope I get to do more in the future!