Xometry.pro
en – EU
Knowledge & Community
Search
K
Quote & source your parts
Europe Europe
English Deutsch Français Italiano Español
Türkiye Türkiye
English Türkçe
United Kingdom United Kingdom
English
Global Global
English
select
navigate
switch tabs
Esc close

Get Instant Quote

Use our Instant Quoting Engine to easily quote and source your parts online

Get a Quote
Back
 Profile
Menu
Materials Library
Manufacturing Stories & Cases
Articles
E-Books & Guides
Free Tools
Webinars
Free Courses
Community Discussions
Create Topic
Quote & Source Your Parts
Get a Quote

Edit topic

Home Xometry Community Industrial Design 3D Printing Tolerances for Assembly

3D Printing Tolerances for Assembly

0
S
2

Hello, I have a fairly general question, but need some insights/experience:

How can I determine the optimal tolerances for 3D printed parts to ensure they fit perfectly in a three-piece case assembly? I’m considering using FDM or SLS technologies for the case and need to account for possible post-processing (e.g. painting) and material shrinkage. The case will be used for an electronic device, so precision and durability are crucial. This is a custom device that will not go into mass production, so injection molding is not efficient for a production of max. 50-70 pieces per year.

Specific guidelines or rules of thumb for these technologies would be very helpful, especially to achieve a tight fit and structural integrity.

Thanks!

Stefan

Automatically translated from: Deutsch
See original
Link copied
Solved by Nikolaus Mroncz

Hello Mr. Meyer,

for precise parts, I would definitely prefer SLS. Here you can safely process parts. Even the basic accuracy is already very good. Xometry also offers free project consultation for corporate customers. You could then discuss your specific project, start test parts, try these out and change them if necessary, before you go into a higher quantity. The customer does not need to take shrinkage into account. The manufacturing process is designed to achieve nominal masses, there are slight deviations here, which can then be corrected in another run.

Best regards

Niko

    • S
      Hello, I have a fairly general question, but need some insights/experience:

      How can I determine the optimal tolerances for 3D printed parts to ensure they fit perfectly in a three-piece case assembly? I’m considering using FDM or SLS technologies for the case and need to account for possible post-processing (e.g. painting) and material shrinkage. The case will be used for an electronic device, so precision and durability are crucial. This is a custom device that will not go into mass production, so injection molding is not efficient for a production of max. 50-70 pieces per year.

      Specific guidelines or rules of thumb for these technologies would be very helpful, especially to achieve a tight fit and structural integrity.

      Thanks!

      Stefan

      Automatically translated from: Deutsch

      See original
      0
      Reply
    • Xometry Engineer

      Hello Mr. Meyer,

      for precise parts, I would definitely prefer SLS. Here you can safely process parts. Even the basic accuracy is already very good. Xometry also offers free project consultation for corporate customers. You could then discuss your specific project, start test parts, try these out and change them if necessary, before you go into a higher quantity. The customer does not need to take shrinkage into account. The manufacturing process is designed to achieve nominal masses, there are slight deviations here, which can then be corrected in another run.

      Best regards

      Niko

      0
      Reply
      Link copied
      • S
        Nikolaus Mroncz

        Hello Mr. Mroncz,

        I will try to proceed with SLS.

        Thank you very much!

        0
        Reply
        Link copied
3D Printing Tolerances for Assembly
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
Minimum hole diameter vs sheet thickness 316L
Industrial Design
Hello, I would like to produce a stainless steel 316L bracket, 3 mm thick, cut by fiber laser. I need to include several small holes for drainage and fastening, and I’ve heard there might... read more
F
0
8
Jul 23
Ejector pin placement near snap-fit
Industrial Design
I’m working on a small injection-molded housing for an automotive sensor, using PA6 GF30. There are two snap-fit arms inside (cantilever type), about 2 mm-thick walls. I’m not sure where to place the ejector... read more
M
T
5
57
Jul 18
Adding countersinks to formed stainless sheet metal
Industrial Design
Hello, I'm working on a sheet metal enclosure (as in the image) that requires flush mounting for M6 countersunk screws. I need to add a countersink on a few holes, but the part is... read more
D
M
D
2
102
Jul 03
Fastener size choice for a through-hole in 4 mm anodized aluminum plate
Industrial Design
Hi! Designing a lightweight enclosure for a small UAV component, using 4 mm thick anodized aluminum sheets. For the assembly, I need to fasten this plate to a 3D-printed ABS bracket underneath, which acts as... read more
K
e
E
3
154
Jun 30
Cracking at snap-fit hook base in SLS PA12
Industrial Design
Hello everyone, I'm using SLS 3D printing (PA12, 0.12 mm layer height) to create a snap-fit enclosure for a handheld sensor device. The enclosure has three internal hooks that flex about 1.5 mm during... read more
F
A
2
231
Jun 24

Edit topic