Design for 3D PrintingMulti-Part Design
8 / 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

Multi-Part Design: Divide & Conquer 🧩

Multi-Part Design
When to split models into printable parts

Sometimes print in multiple parts and assemble!

When to Split

  • Split when:
  • Model doesn't fit print bed
  • Excessive support would be needed
  • Different parts need different orientations
  • Want different colors/materials

    • Joint Types

    JointStrength
    Flat + glueWeak
    Pegs + glueMedium
    DovetailStrong
    Snap-fitMedium

    Design Tips

    1. 1Add alignment features (pegs, grooves)
    2. 2Maximize glue surface area
    3. 3Hide seams in natural break lines
    4. 4Test fit with tolerance