Threaded Inserts

Rationale

Generally, screwing through printed plastic is a bad idea. Repeated uses will cause cracks in the plastic which weakens the print and will eventually destroy it. Using inserts strengthens the mate as well as making it look better.

Using Inserts

Basically, you just slot the insert into the hole and then apply a solder iron to press it down. Note that the insert should not slide all the way through the hole:

1. there are two outer diameters of the insert, one of them is larger and the other is smaller
2. make the hole of the print the size of the smaller hole (adjust for clearance)

This allows the insert to fit in snugly. Then just press down with a solder iron. Make sure that the insert is not crooked. Also wait a little bit before using.

A couple of tips

• remove heat when insert is ~90% seated
• do not apply force, let gravity do the work
• press the insert flat or flip the insert onto some flat surface and press it

Slicer Settings

Make sure to add more wall loops (perimeter layers) to the holes. This strengthens the insert by making sure it grabs onto the material. At least 4 seems to be recommended.

For Bambu studio it is under wall loops.

References

• https://www.cnckitchen.com/blog/tipps-amp-tricks-fr-gewindeeinstze-im-3d-druck-3awey
• https://hackaday.com/2019/02/28/threading-3d-printed-parts-how-to-use-heat-set-inserts/
• https://forum.bambulab.com/t/perimeter-wall-thickness-whats-that-and-where-is-it/186659