Auto Panel Fastener

thingiverse

My first attempt at crafting a single-part panel fastener / insert was quite ambitious, given the multitude of excellent options already available. However, I aimed for something truly unique: a one-piece solution that would rival its multi-part counterparts in terms of durability and reliability. Printed sideways, this design boasts impressive strength, withstanding even the most rigorous testing without showing any signs of weakness. I'm not surprised that it held up well, considering the remarkable properties of 3D printing technology. The i3 Mega printer, despite its limitations, managed to produce a sturdy fastener that's more than capable of withstanding rough handling. My Monoprice Mini, on the other hand, has consistently delivered exceptional xy detail and high-resolution prints that are simply unmatched by my i3 Mega. I was initially worried that printing very small modulus gears on my MPMini would be a challenge, but it turned out to be a breeze. In contrast, this particular fastener design proved to be more demanding than I anticipated, highlighting some underlying calibration issues with my printer that need to be addressed as soon as possible. As it stands, the key and clip have both been printed without cleanup, revealing some potential areas for improvement in terms of print quality. While I initially aimed for a single-part solution, trying out the fastener convinced me that having an optional key would be beneficial in the long run.