Impossible 3D-printed bolt and nut

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The "Impossible Bolt and Nut" is a clever 3D-printable two-part assembly with a working thread, where a nut is securely trapped on a bolt. A single STL file contains the nut positioned at a slight distance from the bolt's head, creating a precise gap that will eventually lead to separation. The gap between both parts is carefully sized to create a fracture plane, allowing the nut to be easily removed from the bolt's head. We have supplied several STL files scaled to match commonly available 3D-print heights, so please choose the one that best fits your desired print height. You can also scale the STL up or down with successful results by following our instructions for more information on how to 3D-print this bolt and nut. Be aware that some slicing software and settings may interpret the air gap as an STL defect and remove it during printing, so you'll need to disable the STL heal function. Download the STL files and print your own! Check out our video tutorial at http://youtu.be/GbDMlNjrUM4 for more details. The key is the gap between the nut and the bolt's head, which we've adjusted to fit 3D-prints of PLA and ABS perfectly. This air gap should be small enough for the nut's first layer to adhere to the bolt's head but still large enough for them to separate easily. To remove the nut from the bolt safely, use a thin knife blade and carefully insert it between the bolt's head and the nut. Wiggle the knife around until you feel that most of the gap is broken free. Remove the knife and then carefully unscrew the nut. When choosing the correct STL file for your 3D printer, select the one that matches your Z-height. If needed, scale the STL slightly to fit perfectly, but make sure not to alter the crucial gap too much when scaling the bolt.