6 Advanced FDM 3D Printing Tips When Adding Metal Parts to Your Build

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing machines utilize real thermoplastic resins, and strong, tough materials for real applications. FDM technology is a premier choice for creating complicated parts that need to stand up to repeated use, drilling, tapping and getting banged up.

#3dprint #prototyping

[kurtcrafton]

The pause feature is not limited to just stratasys software. I can very well do the same thing in Cura using the "Change at Z extension" with this extension I can add custom g-code to park the print head by layer number or using overall height allowing me to add fixed in place nuts, mesh, ect

[xrunnergunnerx]

I've used most of these but embedding 3D printed parts mid-print to avoid supports is a new one for me! I will have to incorporate that into a design for sure. Very helpful video!

[Theprofessor]

One suggestion, try using square nuts as opposed to hex nuts as they don’t wear out the plastic as easy as hex nuts in case of over tightening.

[opensourceeducated]

Literally incredible. I'm leaving a lot of FDM sophistication on the table. The printed part within the other printed blew my mind 😳🤯

[Sembazuru]

All of these techniques are also applicable in the hobby space of 3D printing. I can probably do almost all of these techniques on my Prusa MK3S using PrisaSlicer, though I'm limited on the type of thermoplastics that I can use on my open frame printer since I don't have an enclosure to put around it.
The technique of embedding other 3D printed parts is probably the only one that I hadn't thought of before. Thanx for introducing me to that idea.

[Perry_Wolf]

Strangely, my biggest take-away from this is the non-metal, large overhang part you printed there. Had never thought of that. Other than that, I've used the "Pause at Height" post processing script with Cura and have imbedded weights in fidget spinners, magnets in a cup bottom so it's secure on metal surfaces, and a bunch of other things.

[monkeysfromvenus]

Printing those shelves and inserting them mid-print is some serious outside-the-box thinking. Awesome!

[KHFilms]

This made me seriously rethink of the capabilities of my fdm printer. The embedded nut or magnet is a true classic but the rest of these I've never even considered.

Really informative and well made video, I hope to see more like it soon!

[spusuf]

This is genuinely so insightful and useful for printing on any machine. I knew you could pause at layer in cura but didn't know it was this useful

[SrikarMaddula]

I've had an entire course on additive manufacturing last semester and such examples were barely covered if any. This legit gave me quite a few ideas on solving a problem on a current project. Why they don't talk about it in college is beyond me.

[johnathanclayton]

Those are some great ideas! I love it! I'm sure your Inight software makes it very easy to accomplish.

But you can do these things in common 3D printing slicers as well. Cura and Prusha slicers allow for pausing after a certain layer to insert components.

[tbren]

Really awesome video! I've used the idea of pausing and inserting different hardware to my prints, but you showed some amazing yet simple concepts. Definitely a reminder to me to "think outside the filament" and incorporate other pieces to make my designs better. Thanks!

[nayvinyami]

Incredible insight, blew my mind away when you flipped the baffles on the build plate to assemble later mid-print.

[heavydamage]

This was really useful. I'm working on a unusual water pump, the chain and nut insert techniques were really really useful. Thanks <3

[bam]

1:30 "The roller chain sprocket is going to need to be made out of metal because of high force on the part"

* Uses 3d printed plastic pegs printed onto the belt sprocket to transfer torque with a sheer force across the layer lines at a smaller radius than the sprocket *

[desparky]

I've embedded magnets and nuts into builds, but hadn't considered the other tips. Thanks for sharing.

[Jakielopez]

Really interesting to see different way to use FDM printers. I never thought to stop the print and assemble the part to eliminate the need for supports. I'll definitely be trying to implement these ideas in future projects.

[Vibycko]

The part where you take the already printed part and insert it into the piece is just amazing, and quite interesting technique.

[williamfrance-]

Can’t believe I’ve never thought to simply pause the print when incorporating other materials like metal inserts into my projects. Thanks for the great video!

[smoerebroetxd]

I'm flabbergasted how these techniques blew my mind... I don't know how I never thought of stoping a print midway through. Thanks for the inspiration!