Finishing 3D Prints 101: How to Install Threaded Inserts in your 3D Prints

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HOW TO INSTALL THREADED INSERTS
IN YOUR 3D PRINTS
Threaded brass inserts can be a great way to add longevity to 3D printed enclosures that need to accept screws.
In this “how to” we will show you some of the best practices associated with installing threaded brass inserts into your 3D printed enclosures.
Working time will vary depending on your model and how many inserts you plan to install. The process shown took us about 10 minutes from start to finish.
SUPPLIES
Soldering Iron
Threaded brass inserts with matching machine screws
Washers
Pliers
Vise
Heat resistant gloves
Eye protection
Respiratory mask
STEP 1: OBTAIN YOUR MODEL
If you are designing your model to meet a specific need, remember to design the holes in your model slightly smaller than the inserts you plan to install. This will account for any plastic that melts when installing inserts. If you are adding inserts to a downloaded model, purchase your inserts with the hole diameter in mind.
For our model, we chose this “Light Switch Box” designed by Thingiverse user qbasan.
STEP 2: PREPARE & PRINT
When installing inserts, changing a few print settings in MakerBot Print can be a big help. Increase the number of shells in your print. This will leave more plastic around inserts. Once you have selected your settings you can print your object. We chose to print our model on the MakerBot Replicator+.
STEP 3: ROUGHING
Supplies Used: Needlenose pliers
Once your model has been printed and removed from the build plate, remove any rafts or support material.
STEP 4: HEAT SOLDERING IRON
Supplies Used: Soldering Iron
Allow your soldering iron to heat for 3-5 minutes before installing inserts. This will ensure that you have to use the least amount of force to install inserts.
STEP 5: SECURE PRINT IN PLACE
Supplies Used: Soldering Iron
Before installing your inserts, it’s also important that your model be secure. If your model moves during installation of an insert, you could damage the void or even the model itself.
We used a multi-axis vice that allowed us to work on the model from a few different angles.
STEP 6: PARTIALLY INSTALL INSERTS
Supplies Used: (continued use through Step 9) Multi-axis vice, soldering iron, threaded brass inserts, and pliers
Because PLA has a relatively low heat deflection temperature and can deform at moderate temperatures, it is important to install inserts gradually.
A: Grasp your insert with pliers
B: Position insert over hole
C: Press the insert half way into your print holding the soldering iron vertically
D: Move on to the next insert
STEP 7: ALLOW TO COOL
As brass transfers temperature relatively quickly, your inserts should be cool within a minute or so.
STEP 8: COMPLETELY INSTALL INSERTS
Once you’ve allowed your model to cool for a minute or so, install the inserts until they are flush with the top of your model.
When completing the installation of inserts be sure to avoid:
Installing to quickly and pushing down on your inserts with too much force
STEP 9: INSTALL SCREWS, WASHERS
OR OTHER HARDWARE
Supplies Used:
Screws & washers
Screwdriver
Multi-axis vice
Thread in your screws using a screwdriver or drill.

[@solidusseal]

How do I prevent plastic to fill the insert .. so that the screw cannot go in because of solidified plastic inside the threaded insert

[@filserb]

Brilliant video and really helpful, I work for a company called Technifast in the UK and we actually sell the inserts, I was wondering if i could use this video in our newsletter as an and credit you guys? Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[@proto3000_]

Yes, absolutely!

[@filserb]

@@proto3000_ fantastic guys, thank you!

[@polymetric2614]

Wow, look how terrible the print quality is on those new makerbots. Only a smidge better than the old cupcakes

[@johnsanborn2950]

I have plenty of "vices" , but they won't help at all with threaded inserts.

[@thareshkumar6113]

Hi Shaun, Nice to see you.. May I know what filament you are using??? I guess its PLA. Do you think we should used heated insert in Tough PLA as well??

[@mutantkilla]

Which materials can this process be compatible with?

[@MarkWilder68]

How do you r3move them? I'm replacing parts on my 3d printer and I'd like to reuse the inserts.

[@proto3000_]

Hello Markess, We will be releasing new application guides in the coming weeks that should give you step by step instructions on inserts. Stay tuned!