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TrackDesign for 3D Printing
Multi-Part Design
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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

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