this post was submitted on 23 Jun 2024
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I design and 3D Printed the smallest friction hing, I think is possible at 10mm (lemmy.world)
submitted 4 months ago by the16bitgamer@lemmy.world to c/3dprinting@lemmy.world
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So I wanted a small, and thin friction hing for another project, and I couldn't find the metal ones that they use for the iPad's Magic Keyboard case. So I design my own the parts I had on my desk.

The smallest nut that I had was 4mm wide which really limited how thick the design can be. The result is this

It folds flat at measure at a maximum thickness of about 10mm

It works a lot better than I thought it would, especially since this is my first prototype print. Need to figure out some things, like to stiffen the arms and to prevent/reduce twisting.

But as a basis to start from this works nicely. I think if I add a TPU washer on the back end, I might be able to get it stiffer and more consistent feeling. But I'll do that at another time.

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[–] papalonian@lemmy.world 8 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Nice! This is really impressive for a first prototype print. I've been printing for over a year, designing small brackets and such for maybe 6 months, and most of my designs are just one solid piece. Something with moving parts is awesome!

Can we ask what the project this is for is, or for a link to this model?

[–] the16bitgamer@lemmy.world 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I've been at this for years, most of my designs are like your solid parts (Display Stands and DS Stylus). I've only recently tried experimenting with moving parts, and I've found using mixed mediums the best when 3D printing. i.e. using cloth or leather as the moving medium, with TPU or PETG for strength/flexibility.

As for what this is for. I've designed and made 3D Printable e-reader cases, which this link will show you the printable parts for, but I'd like to make a case for my iPad and other tablets, however I want to be able to prop it up and for it to be stable. This is designed with my cases in mind, and it has the clearance to lay flush with the back panel.

End goal is to have this embeded in the back so I can prop it up landscape, while I have another in the sleep cover so it can be propped up portrait, like an easel.

[–] papalonian@lemmy.world 3 points 4 months ago

Fantastic! My first thought was either a miniature display table or maybe a small parts case-and-table combo.

[–] faebudo@infosec.pub 5 points 4 months ago (1 children)

You might be able to make it much stiffer by adding more of the arms parallel. The force should be consistent when you tighten multiple of them with one screw.

[–] the16bitgamer@lemmy.world 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I could achieve the same effect by making the arms thicker. Though I am thinking of printing the screw caps in TPU to see if I can make it stiffer that way.

Trying to keep the parts the same as the main thing this belongs too. M2 threaded inserts and 5mm screws. So not a lot of flexibility when it comes to thickness. That said, as a MK2 I'd probably make it 2mm thick rather than 1.2mm since that's my goto size for stiffness.

[–] SzethFriendOfNimi@lemmy.world 2 points 4 months ago

What about a dab of hot glue as a kind of medium between the head of a bolt/screw and the plastic it’s in?

This way you get some of the “grip” from a malleable material that’s also pretty easy to get ahold of for most people.

[–] PerogiBoi@lemmy.ca 3 points 4 months ago

Impressive