How to Choose the Best Fasteners for 3D Printed Parts
Time to read: 6 min
We get a lot of questions about the best methods for fastening different 3D printed components. When prototyping hardware products — like electronics enclosures or robotic assemblies — you often need to design mating structures that are more complex than a single 3D printed component.
Other times, you may need to print components larger than the build envelope of a 3D printer, so you need to consider methods for permanently or semi-permanently assembling printed parts. One of the best ways to assemble 3D parts is with snap-fit components, but another great method is to use screw threads.
There are many ways to implement threads into your 3D printed parts, so in this article we’ll cover the pros and cons of the most common methods. Then we’ll discuss some specific installation steps to help get you started.
Threaded Inserts for 3D Printed Parts
The method we recommend most often is threaded inserts, due to their easy installation and high-quality feel. In addition, threaded inserts for 3D printed parts provide a more secure, robust assembly — they’re even used on aircraft!
Pros
- Fast, easy, and clean
- Can handle repeated installation/removal without degrading the plastic
- Production quality
Cons
- More expensive
- Requires increased wall thickness
Materials and Tools
- Brass Inserts (choose those made for plastic)
- Soldering iron
- Exacto knife
Installation Steps
- Place your insert into its associated hole (see insert guidelines for the size of the mating hole)
- Take your heated soldering iron, place it in the middle of the insert and apply a small amount of pressure
- As the insert starts heating up you’ll see it sink into the hole
- Once the insert looks to be flush with the part surface, use your Exacto blade to trim away any extra material
Self Tapping Screws
An alternative to threaded inserts for assembling 3D-printed parts is self-tapping plastic screws. It’s the easiest and cheapest way to go, so if this is your first prototype or you’re using a low-resolution material like PLA, self-tapping screws are a great option.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Minimal design requirements (simple holes)
- Less expensive
Cons
- Brittle material may break (ie. verowhite)
- Limited assembly/disassembly
- Low strength
Materials and Tools
- Self-tapping screws for plastic
- Screwdriver
Installation Steps
1. It’s as easy as a screwdriver and a screw… just twist
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