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Trade Secrets: Custom crack-levelling clamps made with 3D printing

2025-09-19T08:26:00

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A new way to glue cracks without the aid of a mould

By Jean-Manuel Baptiste Boutonnet

Violin maker based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

After I saw the tower clamps designed by Christian Schabbon (see New Products, The Strad, February 2021), I was inspired to adapt them for use in levelling cracks. I drew countless versions and tested many prototypes, but none of them really worked. However, after many trials and refinements, I finally found a solution that does. Using my 3D printer I was able to develop a clamp that achieves the results I was aiming for. Here, I’d like to share the process behind making this tool, in the hope that it might be of help or inspiration to others…

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