3k Custom Carabiner (SOMETHING NEVER DONE!) Blind
in
Mechanical Engineering
held by
brianh9
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Description:
Mechanical CAD Engineer Needed — CNC Aluminum Carabiner (Skeletonized Load‑Bearing Design)Service Category: Mechanical Engineering / CAD Design
Industry: Product Design / Hardware / Outdoor & EDC
Manufacturing Method: CNC Machining (Aluminum)
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Project Summary
I am developing a custom CNC‑machined aluminum utility carabiner where the brand mark “3K” is structurally integrated into the body as a skeletonized, load‑bearing element.
This is not jewelry, not a render-only project, and not concept art.
The goal is manufacturable, mechanically sound hardware suitable for real-world utility use (non‑climbing certified).
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Key Design Challenge
The core challenge — and what makes this project unique — is that the “3K” lettering replaces traditional webbing in the carabiner body and must:
• Carry load as part of the primary structure
• Maintain proper load paths and stress distribution
• Avoid stress risers and thin sections
• Be optimized for CNC machining
The logo is functional structure, not decoration.
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Scope of Work
• Develop production‑ready CAD based on an established design brief
• Model:
• Main carabiner body
• Gate assembly (screw‑lock)
• Integrated skeletonized “3K” geometry
• Apply:
• Proper wall thickness
• Fillets and radii
• CNC tool access and manufacturability constraints
• Prepare deliverables suitable for:
• Prototyping
• Small‑batch production
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Deliverables
• STEP (.step) files
• Native CAD files (SolidWorks or Fusion 360 preferred)
• 2D manufacturing drawings including:
• Material callouts
• Tolerances
• Finish specifications
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Technical Requirements
• Proven experience with CNC‑machined aluminum parts
• Strong understanding of:
• Load paths
• Stress concentrations
• Fillets, radii, and edge conditions
• Mechanical hardware tolerances
• Familiarity with:
• 7075‑T6 or 6061‑T6 aluminum
• Anodized finishes (Type II / Type III)
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Manufacturing Parameters
• Material: 7075‑T6 aluminum (preferred)
• Process: CNC machining from billet (no casting)
• Finish:
• Matte black hard anodized body
• Contrasting polished or chrome “3K” feature (masked or insert)
Wants:
1. Design & Aesthetic ExecutionWeight: 20%
Style & Visual Language
• Overall form must feel:
• Technical
• Minimal
• Sport‑industrial
• Influences aligned with:
• Rick Owens (brutalist, monolithic)
• Oakley / Nike ACG (functional, engineered, outdoor)
Color & Finish
• Primary body: All matte black
• Finish must be specified as:
• Hard anodized aluminum (Type II or Type III)
• The “3K” logo:
• May remain raw aluminum or chrome
• Must contrast clearly against the black body
• No chrome or gloss finishes on the main body
Surface Quality
• Smooth, continuous curvature
• No unnecessary facets
• No sharp visual transitions
• Consistent edge radii throughout
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2. Integration of the 3K Logo (Critical)
Weight: 25%
The “3K” must function as structural skeleton, not decoration.
Requirements
• The “3” and “K” are:
• Load‑bearing elements
• Part of the primary force path
• Logo geometry replaces traditional webbing
• No applied or engraved logos
Evaluation Points
• Stroke thickness consistency
• Structural continuity through the logo
• Absence of weak or dead‑end geometry
• Smooth load transitions through the “3K”
🚫 Disqualification if:
The logo is purely cosmetic, engraved, or applied after the fact.
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3. Dimensional & Block Definition
Weight: 15%
Overall Block Dimensions (Target Ranges)
• Height: 75–85 mm
• Width: 45–55 mm
• Body thickness (Z): 9–11 mm
Submissions must clearly define:
• Overall envelope
• Section thicknesses
• Proportional balance
Cross‑Section Attributes
• Rounded or oval cross‑section preferred
• No flat, knife‑edge profiles
• Minimum wall thickness:
• ≥ 6 mm in load‑bearing areas
• ≥ 4 mm in non‑critical regions
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4. Mechanical Attributes & Structure
Weight: 20%
Load Path Logic
• Clear explanation (or obvious geometry) showing:
• How load travels through the spine
• How it transfers through the 3K skeleton
• Gate must not be load‑bearing
Stress & Safety Considerations
• No sharp internal corners
• Minimum internal fillet radius:
• ≥ 2.0 mm
• External edge radii:
• ≥ 1.0 mm
• No thin necks or choke points
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5. Gate, Bolt & Hardware Placement
Weight: 10%
Gate Design
• Screw‑lock or threaded sleeve design
• Gate modeled as a separate component
• Adequate clearance:
• ≥ 0.5 mm between moving parts
Bolt / Pivot Location
• Pivot axis clearly defined
• Pivot positioned in:
• Structurally reinforced zone
• Non‑logo critical stress area
Headlift / Gate Opening
• Gate opening must allow:
• Easy key / strap insertion
• No interference with skeleton geometry
• Headlift placement should:
• Avoid stress concentration at hinge
• Maintain smooth exterior silhouette
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6. Layering & Manufacturing Logic
Weight: 10%
Part Breakdown
• Clear separation of:
• Main body
• Gate
• Lock sleeve
• Fasteners
• No unnecessary part count
CNC Manufacturability
• Geometry must be:
• CNC‑machinable from billet
• Accessible by standard tooling
• Avoid:
• Deep blind pockets
• Undercuts without justification
Finish & Masking Logic
• Clear identification of:
• Anodized surfaces
• Masked / raw or chrome “3K” surfaces
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7. Presentation & Documentation
Weight: 5%
Submissions should include:
• Orthographic views
• Section views (preferred)
• Clear depiction of:
• Dimensions
• Structural intent
• Assembly logic
Extra credit for:
• Exploded view
• Simple load‑path diagram
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Overall Evaluation Priority Order
1. Structural integrity & logo integration
2. Manufacturability (DFM)
3. Dimensional discipline
4. Aesthetic clarity
5. Documentation quality
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Automatic Disqualifiers
• Decorative‑only logo
• Non‑manufacturable geometry
• Jewelry‑style proportions
• Render‑only submissions with no dimensional logic
• Ignoring blacked‑out body requirement
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Ideal Winning Entry (Summary)
A clean, all‑black, CNC‑machined carabiner where the 3K logo is a visible, functional skeleton, with smooth load paths, disciplined dimensions, and factory‑ready geometry.
Proposal Requirements
Please include:
1. Examples of relevant mechanical / CNC projects
2. CAD software used
3. Brief description of experience with aluminum hardware
4. Confirmation that you understand this is functional hardware, not decorative
Don't Wants:
-Jewelry design-Concept‑only industrial design
-Blender‑only or render‑only work
Ask for Sample:
Please finish the design as a sample. The best designer will complete the project.
Company Logo:
Yes
Software:
- 2D & 3D Modeling Solidworks (Latest)
- Fusion 360 (Latest)
- STEP (Latest)
Prepaid PrizeEntries
#12 carbiner frame v0
by souhailb
Hidden design
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#11 carabiners with 3K branding
by arslanm
Hidden design
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#10 Sleek aluminum carabiner with 3K logo
by arslanm
Hidden design
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#9 3k-consept05
by alirezaemamian
Hidden design
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#8 Carabiner (Only Concept 1)
by adnan313
Hidden design
Download Files
#7 3K proof of concept
by MécaCim
Hidden design
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#6 3K Structural Truss - CNC Optimized (Tactical EDC)
by tirthborda
Hidden design
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#5 3K Master1
by wenzel_wu
Hidden design
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#4 3k-consept04
by alirezaemamian
Hidden design
Download Files
#3 3k-consept03
by alirezaemamian
Hidden design
Download Files
#2 3k-consept02
by alirezaemamian
Hidden design
Download Files
#1 3k-consept01
by alirezaemamian
Hidden design
Download Files
Discussion
CONTESTANTS: This is my first time using CAD crowd and the world of CAD design is still very brand new to me. I prematurely jumped the gun on a project design that is entirely is way too complex for me and outweighs my current means (being a new business owner). I need more time to strategize, revise and attack this project under better circumstances. I will be returning to do this project with CAD Crowd, just at a later time. I apologize, I hope to work with some of you in the future.
any specific value of load ?
After reviewing your requirements we can advise and produce all manufacturing dwgs and recommendations. I would suggest reviewing your prize as it does not reflect the time and effort required to satisfy your full requirement needs.
Is there any special meaning "3K"?
I have been working in aerospace and optical instrument industry for 20+ years. Have designed +100 aluminum parts. This is a very interesting project with detailed request. In my opinion, your prize does not match the effort and time needs to spend on it by an experienced designer.
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brianh9
Buyer