AAA Battery Holder

thingiverse

This design showcases conductive filament (Conductive PLA from proto-pasta.com) in action. With a single extruder 3D printer, the process is straightforward: print the object halfway and then switch to conductive PLA for the final portion, creating bus bars that connect inserted batteries into a circuit. To secure the LEDs, use a soldering iron to melt their leads into positive and negative conductive terminals as shown. Insert AAA batteries in an alternating pattern. The "+" side bump faces towards thinner spring members at terminal ends, while the "-" side points towards thicker terminals. This setup allows for reliable connections. Version 4: I'm finally satisfied with this version, so I've abandoned the LED lead holes and adjusted the positive terminal design to provide enough spring tension to hold all batteries securely in place. Version 3: In an effort to improve fit, I made the LED lead holes larger but still found them too small. To address this issue, I modified the terminals while working on a new positive terminal design. Version 2: This update includes a gap between terminals to accommodate batteries of varying lengths, providing better overall performance. Print Settings: Printer Brand: MakerBot Printer Model: MakerBot Replicator 2 Rafts: Not necessary Supports: No Resolution: .2mm Infill: 50% Notes: For optimal conductivity, use high infill settings (95% hexagonal) and print with two shells, no raft, and no support. Switch to conductive filament once the base is complete, allowing for a seamless transition between parts. Overview and Background: This lesson plan and activity aim to demonstrate conductive PLA filament in action. Lesson Plan and Activity: Demonstrate Conductive PLA Filament Materials Needed: * One non-conductive PLA * One conductive PLA (e.g. Conductive PLA by proto-pasta.com) * 3D printer