2020 T-Slot Extrusion Quick Fastener

prusaprinters

This is a 2020 T-Slot removable locking/sliding fastener to be incorporated in other designs for attaching accessories to printers with 2020 bars. I have a Creality Ender 5 which has 2020 top and bottom rails or crossbars.UPDATE:     BE CAREFUL WHEN REMOVING THE SUPPORT MATERIAL UNDER THE LOCKING TAB WINGS. PRYING UPWARD FROM UNDERNEATH THE TAB WILL SNAP OFF THE LOCKING TAB. ALSO, THIS DESIGN SHOULD ONLY BE USED WHEN THERE IS MINIMAL LATERAL FORCE APPLIED TO THE MECHANISM; THE LOCKING TAB CAN ALSO BE SNAPPED OFF WHEN LATERAL FORCE IS APPLIED. FOR A MORE ROBUST LOCKING SYSTEM, LOOK INTO METAL T-SLOT NUTS AND BOLTS. ADDITIONAL UPDATED INFO:     As mentioned above, this design is fairly fragile, in that applying lateral force with the locking mechanism engaged can snap off the locking tab. I discovered this when I integrated the design with a squash ball vibration dampening foot design that I am working on, using the 1x version for each foot. In the process of installing the squash balls into the installed feet, I attempted to move the printer by sliding it. The installed squash balls gripped the table surface, resisting the movement, and the lateral force snapped off some of the locking tabs, defeating their purpose. Moving the printer should only have been done by raising the printer straight up and completely off the table, then moving it, then setting it straight down. This design is not robust enough for most weight bearing applications. Due to the strength limitations of small 3d printed parts, I am redesigning my feet to incorporate metal drop-in T-nuts and bolts. I don't feel the locking mechanism of this design is generally sufficiently strong. However, using one of the multiple locking tab versions (2x, 3x or 4x) might achieve sufficient strength for certain designs.Be aware that the locking mechanism holds the fastener in place so that it doesn't come directly out of the slot, but it still allows the fastener to slide along the rail in the T-Slot. Its more practical use is for installing on horizontal bars where the accessory can be repositioned along the bar simply by sliding it. If installed in a vertical rail, it will slide down to the lowest point (unless used in a gravity free environment :) ).PRINT WITH SUPPORTS, they are minimal, easy to remove and necessary.There are 9 object files, as follows:1, 2, 3 & 4-lock options with Regular Gaps (see attached Gaps graphic);1, 2, 3 & 4-lock options with Loose Gaps (ditto); and1 Slot Tool (used to turn the lock while reducing the marring to the turn slot that can be inflicted when using metal screwdrivers, coins, etc.)Additional lock increase the strength of the mechanism, but naturally increase the dimensions.I will be trying out integrating the a 2x fasteners with another design for some shock resistant feet which use the 3030 fasteners, but which don't work for my Ender's 2020 bars. So, I made these 2020 fasteners.This is a remix of hallonhatt's: 3030 extrusions quick fastener:https://www.printables.com/model/80548-3030-extrusions-quick-fastener-fits-prusa-i3-mk3I printed at 0.16mm line height, 100% infill, with black Overture PETG. NOTE: After printing, if you are unable to rotate the locking tab with the tool when installed in the 2020 slot, make sure that you have removed the small pieces of support material under the locking tab wings. Gently push or tap on the screw side of the locking tab to break it free from the main body. Rotate it a few times to clean out any debris that might be between the slotted head and the main body. Then insert the fastener in the 2020 slot and with medium force and using the provided slot tool, rotate the lock (there is some initial resistance to rotating it). If you are still unsuccessful, try printing the 1x - Loose version; there is a clearance difference between the regular verses Loose versions. Also, I printed my examples at 0.16mm line height; if you printed at 0.20mm or higher, try a finer setting. If this still does not work.Category: 3D Printer Accessories