Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
8/10/20 2:34 p.m.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZiQek0wei1g

3D printing has opened to the door to many new projects–like 3D-printed pistons–but what about 3D hardware? The big question regarding 3D printed bolts: Does printing them vertically, horizontally or angled have any impact on their strength?

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fidelity101 (Forum Supporter)
fidelity101 (Forum Supporter) UltraDork
8/10/20 2:51 p.m.

yes it does.

 

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vsquaredbyrho
vsquaredbyrho New Reader
8/12/20 7:43 a.m.

I hypothesize that the second method (axis of bolt horizontal) would be strongest for a layered printer. Since bolts are mostly loaded in tension while installed, the vertical axis print would have a failure plane between layers. IIRC, layer-to-layer strength is the weak part of prints. But the 45deg axis print might fail under torsion as it is tightened.

[Watches video]

Very cool video, thanks for sharing it. I'll try to use it next time I teach bolt analysis. Using 3D printing to discuss internal stress planes also gives me an idea for another class.

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