Design for 3D PrintingUnderstanding Tolerances
3 / 11In progressIn progress

Design for 3D Printing

Course progress0/11
1Design Thinking
  • Think Print-First
  • Design an L-Bracket
2Tolerances and Fit
  • Understanding Tolerances
  • Design Mating Parts
3Bridging and Edges
  • Bridging Gaps
  • Design a Bridge Structure
  • Chamfers & Fillets
4Multi-Part Design
  • Multi-Part Design
  • Design an Assembly
5Phone Stand Project
  • Phone Stand Design Brief
  • Project: Phone Stand

Design for 3D Printing

Course progress0/11
1Design Thinking
  • Think Print-First
  • Design an L-Bracket
2Tolerances and Fit
  • Understanding Tolerances
  • Design Mating Parts
3Bridging and Edges
  • Bridging Gaps
  • Design a Bridge Structure
  • Chamfers & Fillets
4Multi-Part Design
  • Multi-Part Design
  • Design an Assembly
5Phone Stand Project
  • Phone Stand Design Brief
  • Project: Phone Stand

Tolerances: Making Parts Fit 🔧

Understanding Tolerances
Clearances for parts that fit together

When designing parts that fit together, you need tolerance - extra space for parts to slide together.

Why Tolerances Matter

3D prints are never perfect:

  • Filament expands when cooling

  • Layers aren't perfectly aligned

  • Elephant's foot at base

Tolerance Guidelines for FDM

Fit TypeToleranceUse Case
Loose0.4-0.5mmEasy sliding
Normal0.2-0.3mmSnug but removable
Press0.1mmStays put

How to Apply

For a 10mm peg to fit in a hole:

  • Hole = 10mm + 0.3mm = 10.3mm (normal fit)

  • Or peg = 10mm - 0.3mm = 9.7mm

Start with 0.3mm tolerance and adjust!