Threaded Inserts for 3D printing — 3D People UK

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Brass heat-set inserts enable 3D printed components to integrate a metric screw thread

 

Threaded Inserts are ideal for projects which require:

Assembly

Regular and repeatable assembly and disassembly without wear

Integration

Fasten off-the-shelf components and sub-assemblies

Standardisation

Modular attachment across a variety of components or systems

WHY use THREADED INSERTS?

The metal threads of a heat-set insert are more durable than their plastic counterparts. Threaded inserts enable repeated screwing/unscrewing of bolts without degrading the component, increasing the lifetime of your product. Smaller sized threads are too fine to 3D print, and using inserts alleviates the requirement for machining parts. Threaded inserts come in metric thread sizes that are compatible with standardised, off the shelf components - reducing the time required to prepare 3D files with threads and ensuring that the tolerances will be correct the first time.

 

3D People offer the following threaded inserts and compatible materials

Available Metric Thread Sizes Compatible Materials
M2, M2.5, M3, M4, M5 PA12 Nylon
 

How to order 3D prints with threaded inserts

Choose a Threaded Insert based on your loading requirements

Prepare your 3D files for Threaded Inserts and ensure they meet the design guidelines

Create a technical drawing detailing the Threaded Insert locations

Email your 3D models and drawings to print@3dpeople.uk for a quotation

 

1. Loading Requirements

3D People offer Threaded Inserts with the following loading capacity per insert (N and Kg):

Insert Metric Thread Size Average Pull Strength (N) Average Pull Weight (Kg)
M2 629.2 64.1
M2.5 737.5 75.2
M3 1304.1 132.9
M4 2704.2 275.7
M5 3420.8 348.7

2. Preparing your 3D file for Threaded Inserts

3D files must adhere to your chosen inserts' hole diameters and depths. An additive manufacturing technician will inspect the 3D files before production; however, it is the designer's responsibility to prepare the model for the corresponding inserts.

Blind Hole

​​A blind hole is used for designs that incorporate screw lengths shorter than the depth of the threaded insert. Use the recommended hole diameter and depth.

Through Hole

A through hole is required for longer screws to pass through the insert. A bottoming out lip is essential to ensure the insert sits at the perfect depth to sit flush on the surface.

Threaded Insert
Metric Size
 A
Insert Hole Diameter (mm)
 B
Insert Hole Depth (mm)
 C
Through Hole Diameter (mm)
M2 3.3 4.2 2.0
M2.5 4.1 4.2 2.5
M3 4.1 5.9 3.0
M4 5.7 8.3 4.0
M4 short 5.7 5.0 4.0
M5 6.5 9.7 5.0
M5 short 6.5 6.0 5.0
 
 

Design Guidelines for Threaded Inserts

Minimum Wall Thickness

3D printed parts require a minimum of 2.0mm wall thickness around the threaded insert

Installation Access

A minimum area of 25 mm diameter is required around the insert for vertical access of the installation equipment

 

3. Technical Drawings for Threaded Inserts

A technical drawing showing the insert size, quantity and location is required to ensure the 3d printed fastenings are installed correctly. See the below example drawing for reference

 

Downloads

Customer Guide

The complete guide on how to order 3D prints with metric Threaded Inserts using our on-demand service.

Download

White Paper

The full report evaluates the mechanical performance of threaded inserts 3D printed plastic materials.

download
 

Threaded Inserts FAQ:

+ Are threaded inserts strong?

Heat-set brass threaded inserts provide a robust fastening method for 3D printed plastic components. The results of a technical report show that a single M2 insert can withstand the weight of 64kg.

+ How do I order 3D prints with threaded inserts?

To order 3D printed parts with metal threaded inserts:

1 Select a threaded insert size based on your loading requirements
2 Prepare your 3D files for the insert using the corresponding hole size
3 Create a technical drawing detailing the location of the insert
4 Email print@3dpeople.uk with your 3D file and technical drawing for a quotation

Check out the customer guide for more instructions on how to prepare your 3D files.

+ What are threaded inserts used for?

Heat-set inserts incorporated within 3D printed parts create a durable fastening. Typical applications include electronics housings that require integrating with off the shelf components, two part cases that need a secure fastening and repeatable access.

+ How are threaded inserts installed?

The brass heat-set threaded insert is placed on the insertion tip of the installation equipment and aligned with the 3D prints insert cavity. The insert is heated to the glass transition temperature of the 3D printed material before being pressed into the cavity with a downwards vertical force. The hot insert melts the thermoplastic material which flows around the insert as it is pressed down. When the insert reaches flush with the surface of the print, the installation equipment is removed. As the insert cools, the polymer solidifies around the left right helical grooves in the insert, securing it in place.

+ Can you 3D print threaded holes?

Larger, oversized threads can be 3D printed from polymer materials, however, typically these components have high friction, poor tolerances and wear over time. Smaller, metric sized threads are generally too fine to 3D print. Metal alternatives for threads outperform thermoplastic materials used with 3D printing. Therefore, tapping or machining a thread after 3D printing is less durable than using a threaded insert.

+ Can you remove threaded inserts?

Heat set threaded inserts are a permanent installation within 3D printed parts. After a threaded has been installed, it is not possible to remove without damaging the component.