Utility Blade

thingiverse

I use this model when designing tools that feature utility blades. I measured the dimensions of a standard utility blade and used those measurements to create this precise model. If you're using it as a stand-in object when designing your 3D model, make sure to give it about 50 to 100 microns clearance on all sides if you plan on printing with ABS plastic. In my first attempts, I subtracted this model from my object to create the inlay, but I forgot to account for shrinkage. The result was a failed attempt that left me with a nasty cut when trying to force the blade into place - a classic case of learning things the hard way. Printer Settings Printer Brand: RepRap Printer: Prusa I3 Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.2 mm Infill: 100% Notes: I didn't design this model for printing, but if you're feeling adventurous, here's what to do: the blade model in "utility_blade.stl" is .6 mm in height, so it should work when sliced at .2mm. The file "utility_blade_half.stl" contains 1/2 of the blade split along the Y axis, making it .3 mm in height. In my opinion, printing both halves separately and then gluing them together produces better results. If you do print the two halves, slicing at .1 mm or .15 mm is a safer bet to avoid thin layers. Be careful when removing the model from the print bed - fragile objects like this tend to snap or tear when lifted off.