Machine Vise V4.0 (Fully Printable)

thingiverse

This vise can be used to clamp stuff, including PCBs, and do it well. A horizontal and vertical slot allow clamping small round objects or even PCBs. This will make soldering PCBs a lot easier. Check out my newest vice design here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3932162 It has a quick-release mechanism so you don't have to spin the knob a lot to move the jaws. When I designed this vise, I considered all of the weaknesses of 3d printing. I made sure that it was designed and printed in the best orientation for strength. The most common way that a 3d printed object can break is when the layers delaminate. This design eliminates any chances of delamination by aligning the parts for printing so that the layers are parallel to the forces exerted by the vise. If anything does break, it will be due to the strength of the plastic. The lead screws thread into the sliding jaw so that they are easy to replace. I recommend printing the screws with 100% infill and at 5 degrees Celsius higher than you would normally to minimize the chances of the layers delaminating in the screw while handling. There are two versions of the "Left and Right Gears" (Print 2). The files ending with "tight" have tight tolerances and are only suitable for higher-end machines. The files ending with "loose" have looser tolerances and will work with lower-end machines. You only need to use one type of the files. Assembly: 1. Print everything. This object is 100% 3d printable. 2. Glue the two halves of the vise base together. Glue is sufficient as there are no forces that could pull them apart. Make sure to sandwich the sliding jaw in between the two halves as you won't be able to do it later. 3. Slide the threaded rods into the largest horizontal holes in the base and then thread them into the threaded gears. Then twist until they reach the sliding jaw and thread them into the sliding jaw. 4. Assemble the other gears as shown. The middle gear connects to the knob. Glue them together and if desired, but I used an M4 screw to hold the knob more securely. 5. Clamp something! Use the pictures for reference. Feel free to let me know if you have any suggestions or are having any problems with this design in the comments!