Fastening Objects in 3D Printing

Introduction

Fastening parts can involve a variety of issus:

• Parts need to go together and come apart
• Parts print better in parts because of support needs or other issues, then need to be put together, perhaps permanently.
• Parts are too big for printer.
• Parts need only to go together once, the fastening is permanent.
• Parts need to be assembled or disassembled without tools.
• Cost is of importance.
• Joints should/should not be visible.

Depending on the issues there are different methods that you may wish to apply.

How to Fasten

Nut and Bolts

Yous can use a nut and bolt if you make a pocket to insert the nut into the side of the hole and then bolt in as usual. This makes a nice strong removable fastening. It can be a bit fussy to print but I have used and liked this method.

You can see this technique in these models:

• coming soon?

Screws

There are a variety of screws that are "self taping". Given a starter hole ( drilled or printed ) you can screw into them. This is a pretty quick and easy way. Just insert the fastener and screw it in. It would be nice to have a reference to specific

• screws
• pilot hole sizes
• plastic types and perhaps infill settings

This can also be done with a machine screw but the pilot needs to be quite close to the screw diameter and is relatively easily stripped. I have been successful with this, in one case with set screws.