Ultimaker 3 door latch

grabcad

A clever DIY project! I've been experimenting with a custom door latch for my Ultimaker 3's front door, and I'm thrilled to share my design improvements. The original latch was prone to jamming, but after some tinkering, I created a more reliable mechanism that works seamlessly with PLA filament. The first step was to identify the weak points in the original design. I noticed that the latch's pivot point was too small, causing it to bind and stick when opening or closing the door. To fix this, I widened the pivot point by adding a small metal washer, which greatly reduced the friction. Next, I modified the latch's geometry to create a more even pressure distribution on the door's hinge pins. This ensured that the door would open and close smoothly, without any creaks or screeches. I also added a few strategically placed holes to allow for easier cable management and a neater overall appearance. To further enhance the design, I incorporated a small spring-loaded mechanism that helps keep the latch in its proper position when not in use. This prevents accidental opening or closing of the door, which can be frustrating and wasteful. Overall, my improved door latch has been a game-changer for my Ultimaker 3's front door. The design is more reliable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing than the original. I'm confident that others will find this modification useful and enjoyable to implement.