Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 10 hours ago
Testing 30 Steam Deck 3D prints in 30 days. Day 25: Steam Shade - Foldable Magnetic Sunshield. Most complex build in the series, solves sun glare dramatically.
✅ 3h 30m print time
✅ 120g filament (Matte PLA + PETG)
✅ 11 magnets required
✅ Paperclip hinges (office supplies!)
✅ Fits in stock case when folded
MOST COMPLEX BUILD YET:
By far the most complex in the series. Assembly took couple hours—waiting for glue to dry, testing magnet polarity, creating hinges from office paperclips.
Impressively engineered.
HARDWARE NEEDED:
• 11x neodymium magnets (sourced from Australian magnet store)
• 50mm office paperclips (regular office supplies)
• Runny super glue (for magnets)
• Gel super glue (for gluing parts)
• Epoxy (for hinges)
• Electrical insulation tape (for paperclip wires and magnet flaps)
PAPERCLIP HINGES:
Cut 50mm paperclips to length with wire cutters. Measure against printed parts. Glue with super glue, secure with electrical tape.
Hardest part: Using epoxy to hold one side while leaving room for movement. Move parts when epoxy nearly dry so they can still hinge when it sets.
Bit fiddly, but solution works.
MAGNET INSTALLATION:
11 magnets total. Test polarity as you go—each magnet needs to attract corresponding opposite.
Runny super glue for magnets, gel for parts, epoxy for hinges, electrical tape for wires and outside flaps.
No mistakes I didn't fix right away.
THE MECHANISM:
Closes smoothly. When opens, magnets attached with electrical tape bend down and hold side flaps. Locks in place.
Minimal bulk, fairly lightweight. Still fits in stock case—no problem.
MOUNTING:
PETG clamp fits well to Deck. Magnets attach to clamp at back (top and bottom). Easy install/remove because of magnets. Can stay on while folded.
3D EFFECT BUILD PLATE:
Used 3D effect build plate—carbon fiber finish directly on flap parts during printing. Alternative to vinyl wrap.
SUN GLARE TESTING:
Tested in sunlight. Difference is DRAMATIC.
Without shade: Glare washes out screen.
With shade: Can see clearly.
Usually when I'm outside I'm getting exercise—not using Deck. But there are times sun might be too glarey on screen. This solves that problem.
THE VERDICT:
Solves real-world problem if you want better experience using Deck in direct sun.
Assembly was fun and worth the effort. I'd do it again—probably get better or faster doing it.
Really just for outdoors in direct sunlight, but also fun 3D printed build.
Verdict: Worth Printing ✅
STL: printables.com/model/218846-steam-shade-foldable-magnetic-sunshield-for-steam-
Design by LWC (@LupusWorax) on Printables
#SteamDeck #3DPrinting #Sunshade #OutdoorGaming #ComplexBuild #PaperclipHinges #MagneticMechanism #Printables
Testing 30 Steam Deck 3D prints in 30 days. Day 25: Steam Shade - Foldable Magnetic Sunshield. Most complex build in the series, solves sun glare dramatically.
✅ 3h 30m print time
✅ 120g filament (Matte PLA + PETG)
✅ 11 magnets required
✅ Paperclip hinges (office supplies!)
✅ Fits in stock case when folded
MOST COMPLEX BUILD YET:
By far the most complex in the series. Assembly took couple hours—waiting for glue to dry, testing magnet polarity, creating hinges from office paperclips.
Impressively engineered.
HARDWARE NEEDED:
• 11x neodymium magnets (sourced from Australian magnet store)
• 50mm office paperclips (regular office supplies)
• Runny super glue (for magnets)
• Gel super glue (for gluing parts)
• Epoxy (for hinges)
• Electrical insulation tape (for paperclip wires and magnet flaps)
PAPERCLIP HINGES:
Cut 50mm paperclips to length with wire cutters. Measure against printed parts. Glue with super glue, secure with electrical tape.
Hardest part: Using epoxy to hold one side while leaving room for movement. Move parts when epoxy nearly dry so they can still hinge when it sets.
Bit fiddly, but solution works.
MAGNET INSTALLATION:
11 magnets total. Test polarity as you go—each magnet needs to attract corresponding opposite.
Runny super glue for magnets, gel for parts, epoxy for hinges, electrical tape for wires and outside flaps.
No mistakes I didn't fix right away.
THE MECHANISM:
Closes smoothly. When opens, magnets attached with electrical tape bend down and hold side flaps. Locks in place.
Minimal bulk, fairly lightweight. Still fits in stock case—no problem.
MOUNTING:
PETG clamp fits well to Deck. Magnets attach to clamp at back (top and bottom). Easy install/remove because of magnets. Can stay on while folded.
3D EFFECT BUILD PLATE:
Used 3D effect build plate—carbon fiber finish directly on flap parts during printing. Alternative to vinyl wrap.
SUN GLARE TESTING:
Tested in sunlight. Difference is DRAMATIC.
Without shade: Glare washes out screen.
With shade: Can see clearly.
Usually when I'm outside I'm getting exercise—not using Deck. But there are times sun might be too glarey on screen. This solves that problem.
THE VERDICT:
Solves real-world problem if you want better experience using Deck in direct sun.
Assembly was fun and worth the effort. I'd do it again—probably get better or faster doing it.
Really just for outdoors in direct sunlight, but also fun 3D printed build.
Verdict: Worth Printing ✅
STL: printables.com/model/218846-steam-shade-foldable-magnetic-sunshield-for-steam-
Design by LWC (@LupusWorax) on Printables
#SteamDeck #3DPrinting #Sunshade #OutdoorGaming #ComplexBuild #PaperclipHinges #MagneticMechanism #Printables
