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Unread 01-29-2016, 11:55 AM
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Re: Tapping into 3D Printed Parts

I actually do this a lot at work for lower load applications. Most bolts can self tap the hole in the plastic if you print the correct size hole and use a higher shell count. (Even the end of a pneumatic) Speaking from experience, if you are going with ABS, PLA, or PET, I would recommend a higher infill than 5% as in one of our experiments it wasn't the hole or threads that failed but the infill. I haven't done extensive testing but using that sort of force you are probably looking at >=25% infill around the threads and a few layers below the bottom of the hole (if the threads don't pass all the way through the part) and the parts would still be considered consumable. (My work printer is .2mm layer height)