Introduction: Cloth Covers for 3D Printed Speaker Grills

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Make 3D printed speakers look great in any room. This technique is for gluing fabric to 3D printed plastic grills.

Supplies

  • Grill fabric - pretty much any cloth will do. I chose a fabric that would fit with my room.
  • Rapid-curing cyanoacrylate (CA) glue
  • Sharp scissors for fabric
  • Wax paper
  • Weights
  • A table that is okay with being super glued

Step 1: Cut Fabric to Size

Lay the grill onto the fabric. Cut the fabric so you will have at least an inch to fold over onto the back side.

Step 2: Glue First Corner

  • Apply a small amount of CA glue to the surface of the grill.
  • Fold the fabric corner onto the glue. Make sure it is tight.
  • Place wax paper over the glued fabric, applying pressure for a few minutes until the glue is set. A heavy weight can be used for this so you don't have to hold it with your fingers.

Step 3: Glue Alternating Corners

Glue the remaining corners, one corner at a time, with 5 minutes in between each corner to allow the glue to set each time.

Step 4: Cut, Pull Tight, and Glue Around Edges

  • Using SHARP scissors, cut a wedge out of the fabric adjacent to the glue.
  • Pull the wedge tight, creating a tight edge around the grill.
  • Apply glue to hold tight fabric, then immediately hold in place for 60 seconds with fingers and wax paper.
  • Wait for 5 minutes, clamping the fabric tightly.

NOTE - This is the hardest step. If you don't pull tight and clamp the fabric will come loose and look sloppy.

Step 5: Finish the Sides

  • Continue making incisions and gluing as necessary to finish one side.
  • Clamp that side and wait for 10 minutes for the glue to set.
  • Repeat for the remaining sides until all sides are done.

Step 6: Trim Excess Fabric

Trim any excess fabric and enjoy your speaker's new look!