20mm From Above Dog Hole Clamping System

[Bob D.]

Came across this 3D printed dog hole clamping system on thingiverse designed to work with 20mm dog holes.
You set and release the clamping bolt from above. Looks like it could even work with a blind hole as long as it was deep enough.
No metal parts so nice for use with the CNC or where you might have a chance of running into one with a tool.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2857409

Haven't printed and tried it out yet but hope to soon and will report back.

 

[afish]

[eek] [eek] Me likey, A LOT.  Let me know how they work out.  Print time etc.  At first I was man I wish someone offered something like this "not" 3d printed but having it 3d printed is nice too since if the cnc runs into it its not going to be a big deal. 

 

[squall_line]

[eek] [eek] Me likey, A LOT.  Let me know how they work out.  Print time etc.  At first I was man I wish someone offered something like this "not" 3d printed but having it 3d printed is nice too since if the cnc runs into it its not going to be a big deal.

I just had a vision of a pair of dueling robots: the CNC slicing through clamps, the printer sighing and starting on a replacement, thinking "here we go again..."

 

[Bob D.]

I ran the .STL files through PRUSASlicer. Looks like about 3 hours to print a set of 6 parts to create one clamp assembly with the print settings I choose.

I'm working on printing a clamp assembly before I print multiples of anything. Most of the parts are small enough that you can fill the bed with copies and let it rip for a few hours or place one of each in a single print file with all the bits needed for one clamp assembly.

 

[dashboardpws]

We will announce a product that is similar in concept but with our own twist soon. The components will be solid.

 

[afish]

Nice, looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Let me know if you need a tester.

 

[Bob D.]

I started printing the parts today. I had to order some TPU to make one part that needs to be flexible and should have that on Friday. I should be able to do an evaluation in a few days once I print enough pieces to have a couple complete clamp assemblies. Not working on it all day so it will take a while.

It would be nice to have something to make a comparison to so if you are interested send me your version.

 

[afish]

Not being a 3d printer guy I was wondering what was needed there he didnt really go over it in the video.  Now I see there is TPU filament for printers so that part now makes sense.  I was wondering if a O-ring would work.  HF sells a assorted case of orings pretty cheap.  Realistically, the threaded stud and expansion part is all that really needs printing IMO.  I personally would probably make the rest out of 1/2 RB for more rigidity and speed. 

 

[Bob D.]

Yes, I dug through my limited stash of O-rings but everything was too large either in diameter or cross section. I wanted some TPU anyway to make some other flexible prints.

I've never used TPU but I would think that an O-ring would be a better choice. I'll find out soon enough I guess.

 

[afish]

what would the specs be for an o-ring ID & cross section thickness.  Can you adjust the file to make an o-ring work?  Just because seems easier to buy o-rings.  I know you say you needed tpu anyways but Im thinking for others too. 

 

[Bob D.]

I printed up a bunch of parts. I also come up with an adapter for the studs so you can use them as thru bolts. I made a washer with a bevel on the inside to match the taper at the bottom of the stud. This lets you insert the stud from below the MFT and not use the wedge type grips.