<\/a><\/p>\n

Do you want to add more variety and functionality to your 3D printed parts? In this post we learn how to\u00a0<\/span>produce Metal-Plastic combinations. The metal parts can play the role of a connecting element for example a bolt or a nut in a knob. <\/span><\/p>\n

Or they can add strength to the functional surfaces of our plastic parts for example brass bushes inside the holes. We can insert magnetic elements to our plastic parts and use them for example to stick to some surfaces or for sorting them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Methods of Metal-Plastic 3D Printing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We focus on two different methods and watch a number of examples that are presented in the following youtube videos.<\/span><\/p>\n

These methods are :<\/span><\/p>\n

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• Design Method<\/span>:<\/strong> Design your model with appropriate geometry for metal ( or non-metal ) insert and consider a pause in its 3D printing process for adding the insert to the part.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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  • Thermal Element Method<\/strong><\/a> : Using heat to enter metal inside the holes of the plastic part.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Each one of the selected videos includes a number of very helpful and important points and resources. By watching all of them we can gain a very good view of how to perform this task completely and without problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

    We try to mention the important parts before each video.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Now Relax and enjoy watching them…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/h3>\n

    1: Design Method\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    1-1: Inserting A Nut In A Knob<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    In this video Chuck from\u00a0CHEP 3D Printing & Electronics<\/a><\/span>\u00a0Youtube channel beautifully shows how we can create a spare, out of a sample part and guides us through all the following steps to :<\/span><\/p>\n

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    • \n

      Scan the part with a 2D simple scanner and produce a 2D image from the main side of the part in .jpg or .PNG formats.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Use an image editing software ( like Instant Alpha in Macs or\u00a0<\/span>GIMP<\/u><\/span><\/a>\u00a0for windows\u00a0) to remove the background from the image and trim the excess details , and eventually change it to a format which is usable by 3D modelling software. ( SketchUp)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Use an online free .PNG to SVG converter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Complete the model with 3D modelling software and add the appropriate interior hole for inserting the nut. Save the model to .STL format which is usable by 3D printer.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Use the Slicer software to Slice the model<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Print up to a height to stop the printing process and placing the nut in the plastic and then resume the print to complete the part.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Note<\/strong>: Chuck is using a feature in a da’Vinci software to pause the print and resume from the last point of pause after putting the nut in. This pause could be easily programmed using a plugin in CURA free software. ( Click Here<\/span><\/a> to see how!)<\/span><\/p>\n

      Chuck is a great teacher. Now watch this interesting video\u00a0 and enjoy it….<\/span><\/p>\n

      There are still more helpful and important points to learn so continue watching the rest of videos below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n