Is anyone interested in 3d printing a handle for 34401A? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: TomB19
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2021, 08:20:53 am
content: I put together a quick sketch of a handle for the 34401A. As I understand, it will probably also fit a couple of other HP/Agilent/Keysight instruments.I've printed the dog connector and it fits my 34401A perfectly but I haven't printed the entire handle to sweeten the fit. It isn't something I've needed.If someone is interested, I will hone the design and upload it to Thingiverse (or similar site) as an open source part to share with the community. My meter doesn't have a handle so this was a clean sheet design.Notice, it will require heavy support to print FDM and I suspect it will be more problematic to print in resin. Still, filament isn't all that expensive. It should *just* fit into the built space of my resin printer but it won't be an easy print there, either.

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2021, 03:04:08 pm
content: These are available (very good Chinese reproduction) in bulk. Both handle styles and the bumpers. You can get the handle for $25 shipped.

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2021, 03:32:14 pm
content: A good reproduction of the rear plastic bezel (which often cracks especially if you've not careful removing the bumper) would be nice.There is a guy selling them on eBay but they don't have the original text and look to be a filament print. Better accuracy should be achievable with resin. The color of the eBay repro also doesn't match either of the two HP versions

author: TomB19
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2021, 06:25:17 pm
content: I appreciate the reply, darkshoei.The 3d printed version isn't about cost saving and I'm certainly not trying to put Keysight out of business. Also, I'm not interested in copying anyone else's product.It would probably be difficult for a non-maker to understand how a maker thinks. I designed a T12 iron holder, despite there being a bunch of decent ones available. I 3d printed a couple of garbage cans in my maker space at higher cost than they can be purchased at the dollar store and I spent about 50 hours each to print them but they fit perfectly in their allotted space. Perhaps it isn't all that far from someone like me owning a 34401A when my old 3478A was already overkill for my needs. I just like it.Having the source for an item lets you modify it to suit your own vision or create a new part that doesn't exist, like a hook or a different type of stand. 99% of it is a waste of time, as are all hobbies. It brings me pleasure to look around and see a ton of stuff I have made. This is the benefit of a hobby.Offering to sharing this is just a gesture to the eevblog community and the open source hardware community.Kind regards to all!

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2021, 06:26:42 pm
content: I put a fully machined 'ergonomic' handle from a old IFR instrument into my junk metal pile, so I can pick it up and think about quality when I saw the first 3d printed part for a expensive multimeter

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2021, 06:36:32 pm
content: Quote from: TomB19 on November 21, 2021, 06:25:17 pmI am curious why you would assume I'm not a maker and/or I don't know how one thinks?I have a cnc lathe and milling machine on which I've made many parts.Everyone spends their free time differently and if you want to make a handle for the 34401a (that from your cad image looks like a close facsimile of the original) when you can buy an exact reproduction for $25, don't let me stop you.https://www.ebay.com/itm/201265455293they will send you a 10% discount if you put the item in your watchlist, I expect you could send a BO of the same.I can certainly envision a different handle for the 34401a but I'm not sure its necessary. The fact that many 34401a are sold without a handle is not because the original broke but because the unit was rack mounted and the handle discarded. Same for the bumpers.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2021, 06:47:19 pm
content: The handle receive a good stress when you enlarge it to move / rotate on the casing, and you have the small notch who could brake easilynot to bash on a filament printing, the rear bezel is normally strong, unless you do omit / force it in a way ?? i have 3x 34401a never had any problems with them ?I did bought an complete handle and front / rear rubbers bumpers for one meter 35$ usd + shipping delivered ??It always help to have a way to make case parts, handles, knobs, feets etc ... as i've seen hereI salute that

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2021, 06:52:02 pm
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on November 21, 2021, 06:47:19 pmThe rear bezel cracks when the rubber bumper sticks to it and you try to pull the bumper off. I'm very careful with my tools and I've personally had it happen. I'm now super careful whenever I remove them and use some silicone spray.I'm not entirely sure about the "??". Are you asking a question? Disagreeing?

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2021, 08:07:53 pm
content: oh ok Not to derail the OP threadYou meantThe bumpers rubber stick to the bezel, ok sorry, it never happened to me, but i admit they can be pretty tight when the rubber plastic age over time, i've seen that on other 34401a than mine.Sometime it can harden quite a lot, they became dark / black grey and they kinda latch on the bezels ...Mine are pale ''ish'' grey and they are still soft to the touchMaybe add some talc on them ?? they wont stick ??For the rear bezel reassembly, care must be taken to slot properly the casing into the rear bezel, and yes it may/could break if its not well inserted before screwing it

author: lugaw
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2021, 01:37:06 am
content: I wouldn't trust a 3D printed handle to carry my 34401A but that's just me. I'd rather buy a reproduction one, buying the old used ones are also touch and go because they become fragile because of age. Mine just broke adjusting the position.

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2021, 01:47:29 am
content: Quote from: lugaw on November 22, 2021, 01:37:06 amThat sucks. All my 34401s came without handles and so all have the new reproductions.I think the HP design is OK but perhaps that is just relativism compared to my feelings about the handle on my Fluke 45. I bought an NOS replacement for the Fluke 45 as it was broken and each time I have to pull it apart to adjust I'm convinced it's going to crack. The HP handles are a way better execution of the same basic design.This discussion got me pondering making something out of aluminum that telescopes apart at the center of the handle portion (under spring tension) avoiding the need to leverage the ends apart to adjust the position.

author: TomB19
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2021, 04:32:34 am
content: Quote from: lugaw on November 22, 2021, 01:37:06 amSo... I'm not trying to sell anything to anyone.Few people know how to make a strong 3d printed part. A well printed piece will have nearly full material strength in the X and Y axis and approximately 50% in the Z (layer adhesion). With annealing, a 3d print can be nearly as strong as an injection molded part in all directions. Yes, I understand there are minor shrinkage/expansion issues to deal with, as caused by annealing. And then there is the slicing approach to reinforce the pins. I'm pretty confident it can be done but I will print one and use it for a while as an experiment, if nothing else. I'll report back but not for a few weeks so I can test a couple of parts to failure, etc.The point being, this isn't for 12 year olds who only know how to print cosplay accessories. It's for people who understand 3d printing and enjoy printing the things in their lives. It wouldn't surprise me if no one is interested in this micro-project. That is no problem.Please accept my most heartfelt wish for a wonderful evening.

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2021, 03:06:23 pm
content: Quote from: TomB19 on November 22, 2021, 04:32:34 amMy suggestion. "Put up or shut up". There is ZERO engineering information in your first post or any since. Just a CAD image that looks like the HP handle.QuoteOh my. If you can be less condescending in your tone I think this discussion will be more productive.

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2021, 08:54:39 pm
content: Quote from: lugaw on November 22, 2021, 01:37:06 amSeriously, its like comparing a tug boat hoist to a 1 inch tow strap from harbor freight, best case, used to secure a BMW

author: Atom
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2023, 01:07:11 am
content: Quote from: TomB19 on November 21, 2021, 08:20:53 amhi, could you share the 3d model? my handle on the 33120a broke and i want to try to make one