Inserting a foreign object [fabric] as part of a print? TPU filament.  

Why are you not printing a living hinge?

Cheerio,

inserts

Posted by: @jason-halter

I am planning / attempting to make a score card holder for golf.  

I have some TPU that prints very nicely.  I am decided to use TPU because it can flex a bit in the back pocket, kinda like leather sorta, not-really. In order to fixate both front cover and back cover as one unit [book] I am thinking a piece of fabric would be suitable as a connection and as a really good hinge/ binding for the project?

Can anyone tell me, from their experience(s), if they have had much success with inserting fabrics into TPU as an embedded permanent fixture. If so... could you share your techniques and procedures please and thanks.

 

Jason H. 

It can be done.  I insert nuts and other times in prints.  

Hinge(s)

Golf scorecard holders are subjected to the body heat and sweat when carried in the back pocket.  

I think a living hinge would break in a short period of time.  But, Thank-you for the idea. I may just end up doing a basic hinge with a 4.5" x 1.5mm dia. pin running through to secure. 

Maybe the insetting of fabric idea was a little too far...?  

Posted by: @jason-halter

Golf scorecard holders are subjected to the body heat and sweat when carried in the back pocket.  

I think a living hinge would break in a short period of time.  But, Thank-you for the idea. I may just end up doing a basic hinge with a 4.5" x 1.5mm dia. pin running through to secure. 

Maybe the insetting of fabric idea was a little too far...?  

No it wasn't, search on youtube, I am sure I've seen clips of how they did.
https://thangs.com/atelDsign/3DPNSpeakerCover_printOnFabric_FoldInPlacestl-14347 is a link to someone who did that, not with TPU though.

Good Luck (and please post your result 👍 )

Maybe worth to check this video.

Printing onto, or including, fabric is well established in some circles, whether for cosplay scale effects or jewellry but the fabric used is usually very fine: tulle, organdie and the like.

https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/42342-geometric-floating-fabric-printed-necklace-by-bill

Tougher, thicker, fabric is not so easy to accommodate.

But TPU does make excellent living hinges, body heat and sweat will not harm them.  I have used TPU living hinges for socket covers which last for at least two years on boats that remain afloat in all weathers.

Cheerio,

The fabric Idea is a fine Idea, start experimenting you will learn and it will work fine.

Good Luck

Swiss_Cheese

How about using leather?

How about using leather? Create a slot in the front and back cover, punch-hole the leather and insert during a print-pause. The pic shows the time of the print pause.

If you want to use fabric, you may want to use SnapPap to strengthen the punched holes first.