Screw threaded telescopic platform (30mm, 6 segments)

thingiverse

#### Adjustable Height Support Platform, 30mm Deep, 6 Segment Version. This platform is designed to be adjustable in height, ranging from 30mm when fully closed to 115mm when fully extended. The structure consists of a concentric series of threaded rings, each captive within the next larger ring out. By screwing the rings up or down between two end stops, you can achieve either a flat disk shape or a taller cone-like structure. The advantage of using this design is that it allows for full captive creation through 3D printing, eliminating the need to fit and attach separate pieces later on. Note that the 3D models are set up to print with the upper surface facing downwards on the print bed, which provides better adhesion but may require additional force to free up the rings if necessary. This platform can be used as a support for objects in various applications, such as DIY or modeling, where temporary support is needed while glue sets. The adjustable height feature allows you to customize the support according to your specific needs. I should mention that I don't know what the maximum load these platforms could support, and it likely varies with print quality and material used. However, my PLA printed versions have been able to hold my entire body weight without issues. Note that plastics used in 3D printing can fail suddenly by shattering, so consider the consequences of sudden failure when using this platform. If you plan to support heavy weights, I recommend testing the platform with a significantly heavier load before using it for its intended purpose. A smaller version of this platform exists on Thingiverse, which can be used as an option to verify your printer's capabilities without wasting too much plastic on failed prints. Ideally, each ring should be designed to fit closely together, but if they are too close, the entire structure becomes a solid lump of waste plastic. This is largely dependent on the clearance between rings (horizontal gap) designed into the 3D models and the printer's accuracy. To deal with this issue, I have included five models for each version, each with a different clearance between the rings. The clearances included are 0.325mm, 0.375mm, 0.425mm, 0.475mm, and 0.525mm. The clearance used in each model can be determined from the STL file names by replacing the underscore with a decimal point and taking the result to be a number in millimeters. It would generally be advisable to initially print the smaller version of this platform (4 segment) to find the optimal clearance for your printer before attempting to print the larger 6 segment version. The thread faces overhang, so it's generally better to print overhangs with low layer heights. I have been printing these platforms with a 0.1mm layer height. Other details from the file names are "S" followed by the number of segments and "H" followed by the number of millimeters that represent the height of the base units. Optional end cap models for these platforms exist on Thingiverse, designed to press-fit together and into the ring structures, providing a flatter upper surface to the central ring. #### Related Items: * Adjustable Height Support Platform (20mm, 4 and 5 segment versions) * Adjustable Height Support Platform (30mm, 5 segment version) * Adjustable Height Support Platform (40mm, 5 segment version) * Adjustable Height Support Platform (40mm, 6 segment version) * Adjustable Height Support Platform (40mm, 7 segment version) #### Update (22nd September 2019) I received a comment suggesting that these platforms would be easier to print if the clearance between the rings was larger where they contact the build plate. This change made them much easier to print reliably by avoiding any 'elephants foot' effect from gluing the adjacent rings together.