3D Printing Hinges
Hi everyone! Thanks for helping!
So, I am trying to print something with a 'print in place' hinge. It's not a big hinge, but it's also not a small hinge. I find that whenever I am done printing it, it doesn't actually close. There is something that is keeping it open. Any suggestions? I added a images of what sizes I am using for inner/outer diameter of the hinges, what the part looks like etc. I have tried making the hinge dimensions smaller, larger, everything I can think of. The hinge seems to print fine, but when trying to close it, it does not. You can see what it does in the last image. PLEASE HELP!! Have been trying to solve this forever.
Finished Printing:
RE: 3D Printing Hinges
Try reducing your plate thickness.
RE: 3D Printing Hinges
Try reducing your plate thickness.
RE: 3D Printing Hinges
Move one of the top faces back 0.5 mm.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...
RE: 3D Printing Hinges
Hi guys!
Thank you for the advice. That worked! Any reason why that is?
RE:
Hope this explains it. (Click on the pic to see the whole diagram.)
RE:
Thanks for taking the time to make that diagram! It makes total sense.
RE: 3D Printing Hinges
@brassem explained it well. I would just add that even if you have what he/she calls "perfect alignment" you may still run into issues because of the intrinsic imperfections of FDM 3D printing. Different printers have different tolerances, so I always add in a bit of extra clearance.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...
RE: 3D Printing Hinges
Hello, I am currently trying to print a similar hinge, however my parts are continuously printing fused together and do not create a functional hinge. What were the sizing of your parts, and the gap in between the two parts for the hinge? Also, did you optimize your printer in any way to get a more functional print? Thanks a lot!
RE:
I don’t like hinges made on a single part design. I prefer to split the model in two parts, later attached by a metal screw. The resulting hinge is stronger and easier to print.
See the stl file attached below. Those are for the front doors of an enclosure. At left the single part version and at right the version of two parts. On that one you use a M3x35 or M3x40 screw that threads directly onto the plastic and you’re done. Alternatively you can use brass inserts to screw the bolt.