{"id":9691,"date":"2024-08-13T11:07:29","date_gmt":"2024-08-13T10:07:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mark3d.com\/en\/?p=9691"},"modified":"2025-04-30T14:21:46","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T13:21:46","slug":"incorporating-nuts-and-thread-inserts-in-3d-prints","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mark3d.com\/en\/incorporating-nuts-and-thread-inserts-in-3d-prints\/","title":{"rendered":"Incorporating Nuts and Thread Inserts in 3D Prints with Markforged"},"content":{"rendered":"

Incorporating Nuts and Thread Inserts in 3D Prints with Markforged<\/h1><\/div>
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We’re Mark3D UK Limited – The UK’s #1 Markforged Partner<\/span><\/a> – and we often get asked questions like \u2018how do I incorporate a nut or insert in my 3D print\u2019 and ‘is it possible to 3D print threads in my part’?<\/p>\n

It’s worth noting that while it is possible to 3D print threads straight into a part, it is more common to embed nuts and thread inserts into 3D printed parts. In this blog, we’ll be focusing on how to embed and incorporate nuts and inserts into 3D prints.<\/p>\n

In this blog you can watch our video guide, or read step by step how to insert parts into your 3D prints using 3 different methods.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Incorporating Nuts and Inserts into 3D Prints<\/h2><\/div>

Incorporating a nut or insert into a 3D print can improve the design by providing a durable thread or special feature that can be used time after time, or in high-load situations.<\/p>\n

Here are some common methods to do this. We\u2019ve used a nut as our example:<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Design an Externally Facing Nut Pocket<\/h3><\/h2><\/div>

Design a pocket or cavity in your 3D model where the nut will fit snugly. Here\u2019s how you can do it:<\/p>\n

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  1. Measure the Nut:<\/strong> Measure the dimensions of the nut you want to embed (width across flats, thickness, and height). A vernier calliper is a useful tool for this.<\/li>\n
  2. Model the Pocket:<\/strong> In your 3D design software create a pocket that matches the nut\u2019s dimensions with a small tolerance for ease of fitting. We usually use 0.125mm each side, which is very achievable and repeatable on Markforged machines<\/span><\/a>.<\/li>\n
  3. 3D Print the Model:<\/strong> 3D print your model with the nut pocket.<\/li>\n
  4. Insert the Nut:<\/strong> After the print is complete, insert the nut into the pocket. You may need to press it in firmly or use a bit of glue to secure it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Note: As with all these techniques make sure when you torque up your assembly you\u2019re loading across the layers and not pulling against just the lamination, it\u2019ll be stronger that way (think about it like the grain in wood).<\/p>\n<\/div>

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    A nut embedded in a Markforged 3D printed part using an externally facing nut pocket.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

    Click here to see a 3D printed laser welding jig with internal forming gas channels!<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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    Pause and Insert Nut in 3D Print Method<\/h3><\/h2><\/div>

    Markforged 3D printers allow you to pause the print at a specific layer to insert the nut. Here’s how we do it:<\/p>\n

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    1. Design the Pocket:<\/strong> As above, design a pocket for the nut in your 3D model. This time it can be anywhere in your model, and we go on to describe one that\u2019s buried inside the part in this example.<\/li>\n
    2. Slice the Model:<\/strong> In Eiger<\/a><\/span> identify the layer where the pocket for the nut begins and turn off supports for that area (you can leave supports on and pull them out later if you wish).<\/li>\n
    3. Set a Pause:<\/strong> Set Eiger so your printer pauses at the final layer of the insert and take a note of the time it tells you to be come back.<\/li>\n
    4. Start Printing:<\/strong> Begin the print so the pause is at a time to suit yourself i.e. a time when you\u2019re around.<\/li>\n
    5. Insert the Nut:<\/strong> When the printer pauses, insert the nut into the partially printed model and ensure its flush with the top layer of the print (a little below is also OK, but proud is definitely unacceptable!).<\/li>\n
    6. Resume Printing:<\/strong> Place your print bed back on the machine and continue the print to encapsulate the nut in the part. Pleasingly Markforged print beds will re-locate reliably, accurately and repeatably so this is an easy thing to do, and you won\u2019t see a witness line in the part wall when it\u2019s complete.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Note:<\/strong> Try not to leave the print too long before resuming, it\u2019ll be carrying some helpful latent heat, which you don\u2019t want to dissipate.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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      A 3D printed CNC machining fixture with fully embedded nuts, created using the pause and insert method with a Markforged 3D printer.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

      Click here to see embedded metal components in use in 3D printed robot arm tooling!<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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      Heat Insertion Method for Nuts or Threaded Inserts<\/h3><\/h2><\/div>

      This method involves heating the nut and pressing it into the 3D printed part.<\/p>\n

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      1. 3D Print the Model:<\/strong> 3D print your model with a slightly undersized pocket for the nut. If you\u2019re using a threaded insert the hole size can be found on the insert data sheet on the supplier\u2019s website \u2013 think \u2018tapping size\u2019.<\/li>\n
      2. Heat the Nut:<\/strong> Use a soldering iron to heat the nut or insert.<\/li>\n
      3. Insert the Nut:<\/strong> Press the heated nut into the pocket. The heat will slightly melt the surrounding plastic, creating a strong bond as it cools and solidifies.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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        A heat set insert being embedded into a Markforged 3D printed part using a soldering iron.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

        Click here to see the best 3D printing materials with UK stock ready for delivery!<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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        High Load Applications and Reinforcement<\/h3><\/h2><\/div>

        Some applications will have higher than normal load requirement, here\u2019s what we do at Mark3D.<\/p>\n

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        1. Eiger:<\/strong> Use the functionality found in Eiger (Markforged enterprise printing software) to select the specific area you\u2019re interested in, by \u2018adding a sketch<\/a><\/span>\u2019 to define an area where reinforcing fibre can be added.<\/li>\n
        2. Choose your fibre:<\/strong> Usually we use Kevlar<\/a><\/span> in situations like this, however High Strength, High Temperature Fibreglass<\/a><\/span> works well too.<\/li>\n
        3. Re-slice:<\/strong> Once you\u2019ve set you number of layers and how many rings of continuous fibre you\u2019re adding re-slice your part and start printing.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>

          General Tips for Success<\/h2>\n<\/div>