Webcam at eye height

This project is a corona baby for me. During the lockdown when I was suddenly working full-time in home office, I got tired of wearing a headset all day. Therefore, I purchased an all-in-one conference device (webcam, microphone, and speaker). This worked well, but the device, placed on the desk, was very low and gave an unflattering picture by filming from below. (oh the vanity!) I started working on a stand to solve the height problem, look good on a desk, and not take up too much space. As you might recognize, it is loosely inspired by those pretty tripod lamps.

Materials and tools

• Printer: standard FDM printer
• Filament: 1.75mm Wood PLA
• Nozzle: 0.8mm (due to the abrasive nature of the wood PLA, it is better to take a 0.6 or 0.8 mm nozzle than the “standard” 0.4mm one)
• Wood stain (oak colored)

The Design Process

My goal was simple: create a stable, elegant stand that elevates my conference device to eye level without taking up too much desk space. The design is comprised of four pieces—three foot pieces and a base, all secured with standard screws.

I chose Wood PLA because I wanted the final product to have a natural, wooden aesthetic that would blend in with my office decor. However, printing with wood PLA requires a few adjustments, like using a larger nozzle (0.6mm or 0.8mm) to avoid clogs due to the filament’s abrasive texture.

Once printed, I applied an oak wood stain to enhance the look. Staining wood PLA can be challenging (getting an even coat is tricky!), I probably need a bit of practice to get it looking perfect.

Final results

As you can see from the photos, the stand has been in use for over three years now, and it’s held up well! The webcam is at the perfect height, and I can even fit my mini-PC underneath, which saves a lot of space on my desk.

If you look closely, you’ll notice some under-extrusion in the back from when I was still figuring out my settings. But honestly, since it’s in the back, it doesn’t bother me at all. This is a great example of how even if a print isn’t perfect, it can still be useful and look good! Don’t let small imperfections hold you back.

Download the Design

Feel like trying out this stand? The STL’s can be downloaded on printables. By sharing this project, I hope to inspire others to dive into 3D printing—even if it’s your first time. Projects don’t have to be perfect to be useful!