3D print living hinge is a technology that is rapidly gaining in popularity, with many people believing it to be the future of manufacturing. In this blog post, I will show you how to manufacture a 3d print living hinge using a simple 3d printing software program. By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create a custom hinge that will help you solve your own unique DIY project or repair a broken piece of furniture. So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy solution to a common problem, or you’re simply curious about 3d printing, this article is for you!
What Is a Living Hinge?
A living hinge is a type of hinge that has the ability to move up and down, as opposed to sliding side-to-side. This movement allows the door or doorframe to open and close more smoothly, which can make it easier to use. Here are some examples of living hinges including:
Lever-style Hinges: It has a lever mechanism that allows the door to be opened and closed.
Screw-style Hinges: It has a screw mechanism that allows the door to be opened and closed.
Spring Hinges: These are made out of a coil of metal that springs when the door is opened or closed.
Which Pros & Cons You May Face Using 3D Print Living Hinge?
3D print living hinges are a new and exciting way to add function and beauty to your home. These hinges are made using a special type of 3D printing technology that allows manufacturers to create durable and high-quality parts with living hinges using a mixture of materials.
Pros:
3D print living hinges have several advantages compared to traditional hinges.
- They are more durable and can withstand various types of stress and strain.
- They also tend to be more cost-effective than traditional hinges due to the use of 3D printing technology.
- These hinges are able to blend in seamlessly with existing styles and designs, making them ideal for both new construction and remodeling projects.
- These hinges are able to provide increased functionality and flexibility by allowing for different angles of opening or closing.
Cons:
There are some cons associated with using 3D print living hinges such as the potential for poor fit or alignment issues due to the delicate nature of 3D printed parts.
- The hinges are made from plastic, which can easily break or become damaged over time.
- The hinges are typically made of plastic and may not be suitable for use with certain materials. They are made of plastic. So, 3D print hinges are not as strong as traditional hinges made from metals like steel.
Note: It is recommended to select a type of hinge based on its durability, long lifespan and strength requirements.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Printing Living Hinge By 3D Printer
The printing of living hinges by 3D printers is a fascinating and exciting technology that has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry. From the outside, living hinges look like ordinary hinges, but on closer inspection, they have features that make them more lifelike and functional.
Advantages:
- The advantages of using 3D printers for printing living hinge components include their flexibility, scalability, and potential for customization.
- You can adjust the size, shape, and color of the hinge to match your needs and preferences.
- It allows manufacturers to produce high-quality parts with living hinges with minimal costs, leading to improved efficiency, performance, and quality.
- You can find affordable materials and make small-scale projects with just a few pieces at a time.
- The ability to print living components allows manufacturers to customize their products based on specific needs or requirements, leading to greater customer satisfaction.
- The advantage of printing living hinges with 3D printers is that they are customizable and cost-effective.
Disadvantages:
- One of the major concerns is that all materials are not available yet (such as bone), so it may take some trial and error before you get the desired result.
- The learning curve involved in setting up and operating these types of printers, although this may be worth it!
- Other disadvantages include the limited availability of parts, which may require you to wait for orders or customize existing ones if you want them customized quickly. So, it is important that you do your research and consider all your options before making a decision about using a 3D printer for your projects.
How Is the Manufacturing Procedure for 3D Print Living Hinge?
Select Materials:
To begin designing your own living hinges, you will need to consider the material properties of the component you wish to create. You may want to use a strong but flexible material such as reinforced rubber or carbon fiber for the base of the hinge while using a more resilient material such as titanium for the top portion. You can also consider the mechanics behind each section of the hinge by determining whether it should be spring-loaded (with an elastic component) or tensioned (with a spring).
3D Designing:
Now that you have an idea of what you want your living hinges to look and function like, it is time to start 3D printing them. For designing a living hinge, you will first need to create a CAD model of the component. You can use any software package or online tool available to create this model, but we recommend using CAD software such as SolidWorks or Archicad.
Printing:
After Once you have your CAD model, it is time to start 3D printing the hinge. You can print the base and top separately on different machines, then assemble them using glue or screws. Or you could also print both pieces at once on a single machine and cut them apart afterward using a laser or cutting tool. Now that your living hinge is complete.
Testing:
It is time to test it out and see how it functions. You can do this by adjusting the hinges until they are in the desired position, then testing them again to make sure they hold their position.
How to Calculate Living Hinge Length?
The living hinge length is the distance from one end of a hinge to the other, without including the base. It is used in determining the stability of a hinge mechanism. The living hinge length can be calculated by taking the distance between the two ends of a hinge and subtracting the base thickness. Suppose, if we have a hinge with a base thickness of 0.5 cm and an arm thickness of 1 cm, then our living hinge length is 0.5 – (1 – 0.5) = 0.25 cm.
Which Materials are Suitable for Printing Living Hinges?
TPU:
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a popular material used in 3D printing for creating flexible, durable living hinges. Its flexibility can be adjusted by modifying the infill density or using a different nozzle size. TPU is commonly used for producing phone cases, watch bands, and other consumer products that require flexible connections.
Ninjaflex
Ninjaflex is a flexible filament used in 3D printing, known for its high flexibility and elasticity. It is a popular choice for printing living hinges, due to its ability to create strong and flexible connections between two parts of an object. Its flexibility can be adjusted by modifying the infill density or using a different nozzle size. Ninjaflex is commonly used for creating phone cases, watch bands, and other consumer products that require flexible connections.
PLA:
PLA is a biodegradable and eco-friendly material used in 3D printing, known for its rigidity and brittleness. While not ideal for printing living hinges due to their lack of flexibility, it can be used to create hinges that are less flexible and have a shorter lifespan. PLA is commonly used for creating prototypes, figurines, and other objects that do not require flexible connections.
What Should You consider to Print Living Hinge?
When printing a living hinge, there are several important factors to consider.
Material: Select a material that is flexible, durable, and has good mechanical properties, such as TPU, Ninjaflex, or other flexible filaments.
Design: Ensure that the design of the living hinge is properly structured, with a thin and flexible section that allows for movement and flexibility.
Printer settings: Adjust the printer settings to ensure that the living hinge is printed with the correct hinge thickness and flexibility. This may involve adjusting the infill density, print speed, and nozzle size.
Calibration: Ensure that the printer is properly calibrated to ensure that the living hinge is printed with high precision and accuracy.
Post-processing: After printing, the living hinge may need to be post-processed to remove any excess material or rough edges that could impact its flexibility and durability.
By carefully considering these factors, you can create a high-living hinge performance that is strong, flexible, and durable.
Conclusion
3D printing has revolutionized the way we design and create objects, and living hinges are no exception. With the right material, design, and printer settings, it is possible to create strong, flexible, and durable living hinges that can be used in a wide range of applications. Whether you are looking to create a phone case, watch band or any other object that requires a flexible connection, 3D printing is a powerful tool that can help you bring your ideas to life. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this article, you can learn how to manufacture 3D print living hinges with confidence and achieve professional-quality results.
