YouTuber shows and tests alternative thread inserts for 3D prints

In 3D printing, thread inserts play an important role in the attachment of threads. The most common method is the use of heatset inserts. However, there are numerous other alternatives that can be advantageous for certain applications.

Maker Thomas Sanladerer has carried out extensive tests with various types of threaded inserts. These include sheet metal nuts (rivnuts), screw bushes, threaded inserts for screwing in (self-tapping), T-nuts, wing nuts and wire thread inserts (heli-coils).

Sanladerer explains the advantages and disadvantages of the individual solutions in terms of installation strength, holding force and removal effort. For M5 threads, the self-tapping inserts with a pull-out force of over 3.3 Nm performed best. Heli-coils (2.4 Nm) and furniture fittings (2.03 Nm) also achieved good results. The sheet metal nuts (1.2-1.6 Nm) were comparatively weak.

The results differed depending on the printing material. The inserts held less well in softer PTG filament, as they can slip out more easily. In tough polycarbonate, on the other hand, the self-tapping threads were particularly firmly anchored. The classic heatset inserts performed the weakest here.