Fastening Objects in 3D Printing
Contents
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
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.