open_shelf_00

thingiverse

WARNING: This is an intermediate to advanced project, and I am not responsible for any issues that may arise from implementing these files. This is a completely experimental project with limited knowledge behind it. That being said, if the connectors are printed correctly, they should be perfectly capable of holding objects as heavy as books (and books can get quite massive). I have not thoroughly tested these connectors, but I was able to stand on their attached plank without hearing or feeling any signs of breaking. However, I did not stand on the shelf for an extended period. PRINT SETTINGS: To achieve maximum success, I recommend printing with as many perimeter shells as possible. This is because perimeter shells align with the vector of the perimeter edge, resulting in the highest strength possible. I have not tested these connectors with a low number of perimeter shells and a solid infill, but I suspect they would not perform well. The fewer layers you print with, the better. The number of print layers is directly proportional to the risk of layers breaking relative to each other. I printed my connectors with a 0.3mm layer height, and I highly recommend printing with at least a 0.2mm layer height. Print the pieces in the specified orientation! All of the strength of these pieces comes from their orientation, so make sure you have the collets ring side up, and the clamp is laid down. If you orient the pieces correctly, you won't need any support! As far as materials go, I would recommend using PETG. PETG is a good choice because it will bend before breaking, which should help avoid catastrophic failure. From what I understand about ABS, it has similar properties to PETG, so that might also be an option. However, I would strongly advise against using PLA, as it is a brittle filament and will be more likely to catastrophically fail. MATERIALS: These connectors were designed for use with the following materials: 1" Common board 1" Dowels 8-32 Square nuts 1-1/8" 8-32 Panhead screws 1/2" 8-32 Panhead screws Note: Do not get flathead screws, as they will act like a wedge and split the collet pieces apart with enough force. Also, buy decent screws because decorative screws might strip if you tighten them too much. FAREWELL: This is my first project on thingiverse, so please comment and let me know what you think of this design. That includes any critiques! I am an industrial design student, so any comments – positive or negative – will be greatly appreciated and used to improve the next version of the open shelf. Also, in the download packet, there should be a f3d file. If you have any problems with tolerating, please crack open this file and mess with it. It's a decent parametric file (or maybe it isn't – let me know!). Thank you for reading this far, good luck!