Dual-filament printers may seem like a gimmick to the uninitiated, but they open up some powerful options for advanced designs. [Darren Tarbard] shows this off with a nifty spring clamp that is 3D printed in a single operation.
The clamp is similar to one you’d find at any hardware store. Standard PLA or ABS filaments can be used for the main body of the clamp, which has an integrated hinge. However, instead of having a typical metal spring, the element is instead 3D printed. The spring is created out of TPU filament, and printed in place. Different in-fill percentages on the spring component can vary the characteristics of the spring, making for a softer or firmer grip.
It’s a tidy example of the applications of dual-filament printing – and far more useful than using it to print bi-color Pikachus. 3D printers have much to offer in the world of tooling; they can even turn a bench vice into an effective press brake. Video after the break.
This article was first featured at https://ift.tt/37mqP99 on January 23, 2020 at 02:44PM by Lewin Day
More Stories
Can this possibly be true? “Metal 3D printing is now possible on any 3D printer…with the right settings and a few minor upgrades like a hardened steel nozzle…” – July 2 2023 at 04:59PM
New NASA Funding Ignites 25 3D Printing Projects in Space Exploration – June 18 2023 at 04:34PM
Nvidia AI produces 3D models from 2D videos 3D printing applications forthcoming? – June 15 2023 at 02:55AM