Snap Fan
A fully 3D printable fan built around a sliding interlocking blade mechanism: no screws, pins, or external hardware required.
The design features two complementary blade types: one with the slot positioned at the top and another with the slot positioned at the bottom. They must be alternated during assembly. Each blade includes a circular protrusion that slides into the circular opening of the next blade’s slot. Once inserted, the protrusion sits inside the track, allowing controlled sliding movement so the fan can open and close smoothly.
The provided file named “fan” already includes both blade variations. Simply print the model four times to obtain a total of 8 blades, which form the complete fan.
The topper consists of two parts: the central axis where blades are inserted one by one using the sliding interlock method, and the closing cap that locks the structure once all blades are assembled.
When the fan is fully closed, the circular slot openings align to create a continuous hole passing through the entire body. This allows you to attach a carabiner and clip the fan to a bag, belt, or keychain while keeping it securely closed.
Beyond its mechanical functionality, the fan is designed as a customizable accessory for summer events, celebrations, and cheering moments. By combining different blade colors, you can create compositions inspired by your country’s flag and transform the fan into a playful support accessory while staying cool during matches, festivals, or outdoor gatherings.
The mechanism itself becomes the visual language of the object: rhythmic, modular, lightweight, and highly customizable through color combinations. Design by Creaserra
