this post was submitted on 12 May 2025
137 points (99.3% liked)

3DPrinting

17944 readers
221 users here now

3DPrinting is a place where makers of all skill levels and walks of life can learn about and discuss 3D printing and development of 3D printed parts and devices.

The r/functionalprint community is now located at: or !functionalprint@fedia.io

There are CAD communities available at: !cad@lemmy.world or !freecad@lemmy.ml

Rules

If you need an easy way to host pictures, https://catbox.moe/ may be an option. Be ethical about what you post and donate if you are able or use this a lot. It is just an individual hosting content, not a company. The image embedding syntax for Lemmy is ![](URL)

Moderation policy: Light, mostly invisible

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

The plastic part inside this latch broke, and I wanted to print a replacement. I was genuinely surprised at how straightforward it was!! This is my first draft: it fit and worked fine! I made a second version with a few cutaways around the corners, and that was the final draft. (I forgot to take a picture of that one.)

There are lots of awkward overhangs, and I was having a hard time figuring out how it could be printed (a) in a good orientation for the stresses and (b) without supports. Then I remembered: we can just use supports!! I usually try to design so that they aren't needed, so I almost never use them. But wow they made this easy.

top 9 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] Bluetreefrog@lemmy.world 9 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Nice. I love how 3d printing helps with sustainability.

[–] espentan@lemmy.world 8 points 1 day ago (2 children)

I hope there's a future where providing the blueprints for wear parts is a common thing to do. It could make it easy to extend the life of a great many things, I reckon.

[–] fulcrummed@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago

I just read someone’s post yesterday that Phillips are releasing the designs for replacement parts of their electric razors to be printed by consumers. Sounds like your ideal future (and mine) is on the way!

[–] zipsglacier@lemmy.world 4 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I like the sustainability, but if I'm being honest, what I really enjoy is the pure satisfaction of solving a tiny but annoying problem. This was a lot cheaper than a full replacement, but also a lot easier than tracking down the part and ordering it.

[–] Bluetreefrog@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago

If you can get them at all. Everything seems disposable nowdays.

[–] theargusiv@lemm.ee 3 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

What program did you use to design the part?

Also looks great!

[–] zipsglacier@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago
[–] Lyra_Lycan@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Wow, what plastic did you use? Did you have to choose a harder type?

[–] zipsglacier@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

This is petg with 100% infill, and it seems sturdier than the original. I put a reminder for myself to check in 6 months if I don't notice a problem sooner.