Hinges are one of the more demanding mechanical components in 3D printing. They need to be stable, move smoothly and at the same time be designed in such a way that they do not break or stick together during the printing process. The Slant 3D YouTube channel shows various design approaches that can be used to print robust and functional hinges.
One of the simplest variants is the so-called compatible hinge, which consists of a thin, flexible material bridge. It is created flat on the print bed and uses the elasticity of the plastic to bend. However, this solution is only durable to a limited extent, especially if the wrong material is used, such as PLA, which becomes brittle over time.
A more robust alternative is mechanical hinges with an axis, where two parts are connected by a pin. The challenge here is the printing direction: if the hinge is printed in the wrong orientation, it can easily break due to the layer lines at the load point.
Another approach is conical hinges, which are fixed by interlocking, slightly conical joints. These can be printed in a position that increases their stability while allowing free movement. However, overhangs can lead to problems during printing if material deposits form.
The video also shows a combination of several construction methods to create particularly stable hinges. Care is taken to ensure that they function reliably regardless of specific printer settings or materials.
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