"Self-tappers are a viable option for those who are well-prepared, eliminating the necessity for additional inserts in their preparations."
In the world of 3D printing, efficiency and simplicity are key. One such tool that has gained popularity is the self-tapper screw. These screws, with their wide tapering pitch, are designed to cut their own thread into soft materials, making them a reliable choice for 3D prints.
Self-tappers are often used as an alternative to heat-set inserts. They are straightforward to use: align the holes and screw the self-tapper into them. This method is not only simple but also eliminates the need for additional tools or accessories.
However, it's important to note that repeated use or over-tightening of self-tappers can potentially destroy the material they are attached to. So, it's recommended to stop screwing when it becomes obvious that the screw is tight enough to avoid stripping the thread.
The author of this article shares this technique with the hope of providing a useful tool for the reader's work. In fact, most wood screws and many screws used with aluminum sheet are self-tappers.
For those interested in designing a self-tapping connection in their 3D prints, a simple example using a 3M self-tapper is provided in the article. The process involves placing a suitable hole for the screw thread on the upper side and a smaller hole on the lower side for the thread to bite into.
The use of self-tappers in 3D printing is not only practical but also cost-effective. They are commonly used instead of machine screws, and the author finds them reliable enough for their 3D printing purposes.
In recent years, companies like Formlabs, Ultimaker, and Prusa Research have developed 3D printing accessories that enhance artifact printing to the next level. These advancements, coupled with the use of self-tappers, make 3D printing a more accessible and efficient process.
The author, for instance, has a small pile of M3 bolts on their desk for mounting a Raspberry Pi LCD screen. These self-tappers can make a reliable coupling with 3D prints, eliminating the need for heat-set inserts.
It's worth noting that this article is written in a location where mostly metric M3 bolts are used. However, the principles discussed here can be applied to other sizes as well.
In conclusion, self-tappers offer a simple, cheap, and time-saving technique for 3D printing. By understanding their usage and proper application, you can enhance the efficiency of your 3D printing projects.
