Parametric Rope Thimble

thingiverse

I needed a thimble for my anchor mooring to protect the mooring rope eye from chafe from the shackle. Barnacles grow on the rope, shackles corrode, and over a period of time can wear out the anchor line. This also has the advantage of being non-conductive for long term salt water applications. Print in nylon for strength, or ABS for economy. Strength is dependent on the number of layers, and the fill percentage. I used enough layers to print a solid unit. Print flat with no support. On the upper outer curve where the overhang exceeds 45 degrees, slow print speed and/or use cooling for these layers only. If using ABS, finish with acetone vapour bath to improve layer bonding, strength and surface finish.