How To Screw Your 3D Print

By on April 14th, 2012 in Design, Ideas

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We don’t mean ruining it! We mean being able to successfully insert screws into your 3D printed model for attaching other components. Let’s be clear: you can make much more interesting objects when you use multiple components. But how do you fit them together? 
 
One could resort to designing matching slots in each piece or even glue, but those approaches don’t result in anything particularly strong. If you need a robust attachment for your design, what should you do? Can you use screws? 
 
Yes, you can simply drill a hole of appropriate size, but can you actually have screw threads in your 3D print? The answer is yes, according to Stratasys, who published a list of techniques for including screw threads in your design and print. They include the obvious (tap and drill) tp the less obvious (employ heli-coil inserts). 
 
If you’re seeking a way to screw your print, check out their ideas. 
 

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!