Sturdy print-in-place draw latch

myminifactory

This is a compact yet robust latch that can be printed in situ. It boasts a flat surface for the enjoyment of printing enthusiasts everywhere. No supports, no rafts, no brim required – just the way we like it. This type of latch is commonly referred to as a tension latch, toggle latch, or pull latch among others. However, I prefer the name draw latch for this particular design. Tolerances range between 0.2 and 0.3 millimeters. I printed it with a mid-range delta printer (FLSUN QQ-S) featuring a resolution of 0.15 millimeters. The key to successful printing lies in subtle under-extrusion, especially on the first layer. A snapshot of the printed sample (straight from the printer, without post-processing) reveals that I slightly overdid the underextrusion. In terms of sturdiness: print thick shells (I used 1.2 millimeters), and infill is secondary to this consideration. This latch can be attached using up to four screws, with a maximum diameter of M3. Glueing is also a viable option. A nice addition to a standard latch is an integrated geometry at the moving parts that secures the toggle and restricts movement in undesirable directions (see little nibs in dimensions drawing). I believe this is best achieved through additive manufacturing. Benefits of this model include: * print-in-place for the glory of 3D printing * sturdy construction (... for a 3D printed latch made of plastics) * compact dimensions * integrated guiding geometry * somewhat visually pleasing design Drawbacks of this model are: * not as sturdy (... compared to non-printed, non-plastic latches) * subpar printers might struggle with the tolerances I have not thoroughly tested this latch. However, both of my use cases were satisfactory. Designed using FreeCAD, quickly rendered with CADRays. Conceivably Engineering - Little competence, big smiles.