3D Printing: How to create attachable/detachable printed parts?
Channel: Roel Van de Paar
Date: 30/06/2019

3D Printing: How to create attachable/detachable printed parts?


The Question: I am making a part that needs to come apart, so I don't want to use glue or
similar adhesives. I saw an article about printing snap-fit pieces, but it
seems like you would need a lot of expertise to make it work well. Does anybody
know of an easy way to non-permanently attach PLA parts, while still
maintaining a sturdy connection?
EDIT: (more detail about specific project) I need to attach plastic to plastic,
in a pretty small surface area. This is a prop knife/sword in which the "blade"
retracts into the handle. For the prototype I
printed the handle in two halves lengthwise, which I do not want to do for the
final product. I want to print as much of the handle in one piece as possible.
Because I need to get the blade into the handle (and remove it for working on
parts, painting, etc) I need part of the handle to detach. I am thinking that
the front bit (examined more closely below) would be the best place to detach.
As the wall thickness is about 1/4 in, there is
not a whole lot of room to work with. However, I remain hopeful that there is a
way to attach it such that it will remain securely together and retain the
"blade" properly.
Thanks for the help so far.

Solutions: Please watch the whole video to see all solutions, in order of how many people found them helpful

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