4-40 Standoffs

thingiverse

I decided to create my own plastic standoffs because they are surprisingly costly. I figured out that a hole of just the right size would allow me to get a solid thread with minimal force using a 4-40 tap drill, which can be purchased at any hardware store for $5-10. Using a tap drill is highly recommended for a secure fit. If needed, you can also screw in 4-40 machine screws with a screwdriver and some force. To use them as separators between boards, thread both sides. Making one standoff takes about half a gram of PLA and just over a minute, perfect for using up the last meter or two of a spool. Available lengths are: 1/4", 1/2", 3/4", 1", 2" Dimensions include: - Size: 6.2mm from flat side to side. - Material: PLA tested, but others should work too. - Infill: 100% - Temperature: 195-200C - Height: .3mm - Outer shape: Hexagon The base is included so you can make your own custom length and hole sizes, allowing them to fit any screw. I've found they stay strong and effective up to ~4.3mm (up to 8-32 or M4 screws) without expanding the outer diameter. A 1.42mm radius was used for 4-40 screws with a tap drill. All designs include the original SketchUp file for modification.