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TrackDesign for 3D Printing
Bridging Gaps
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Design for 3D Printing

Course Progress0/11

Design Thinking

Think Print-FirstDesign an L-Bracket

Tolerances and Fit

Understanding TolerancesDesign Mating Parts

Bridging and Edges

Bridging GapsDesign a Bridge StructureChamfers & Fillets

Multi-Part Design

Multi-Part DesignDesign an Assembly

Phone Stand Project

Phone Stand Design BriefProject: Phone Stand

Design for 3D Printing

Course Progress0/11

Design Thinking

Think Print-FirstDesign an L-Bracket

Tolerances and Fit

Understanding TolerancesDesign Mating Parts

Bridging and Edges

Bridging GapsDesign a Bridge StructureChamfers & Fillets

Multi-Part Design

Multi-Part DesignDesign an Assembly

Phone Stand Project

Phone Stand Design BriefProject: Phone Stand

Bridging: Spanning the Gap 🌉

Bridging in 3D printing
How horizontal bridges work in 3D printing

A bridge is filament printed horizontally across a gap.

Bridge Length Limits

LengthResult
< 20mm✅ Usually perfect
20-50mm⚠️ Slight sag
> 50mm❌ Likely to fail

Improving Bridges

  • More cooling fan
  • Faster printing speed
  • Slightly lower temperature

Design Solutions

When you need a long bridge:

  1. Add support pillars

  2. Use an arch shape

  3. Design removable supports