3D Printed LR32 End Stop for Blum Hardware and Blum Process32

mculik5

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I created a video that talks about my experience 3D printing parts. One of those parts is a custom end stop for the LR32 system designed for Blum Process32. It allows the holes to be 46.5mm and 62.5mm from the edge, as specified in the Blum Process32 manual.

I start talking in more detail about the end stop at about the 3 minute mark.

Very happy with the way this and my other parts came out, and thought I'd share the video here.

 
Are you planning to print and sell these parts?  Or offer the download so we can have the file printed ourselves?
 
Thanks for your interest, sl_1800.

I posted this video mainly to share examples of practical applications of 3D printing, and the "real-world" results that can be expected. That said, I am in the process of setting up a Shapeways store, and will post the link here for anyone who would like to order the part. The store should be up (and the link posted here) by Sunday night.

Are there other folks interested in this part?
 
I have several cabinets to build for my house and I'm using all blum hardware so I am surely interested.  I would someone else would be as well.
 
The current issue of Digital Machinist has an article on incorporating screw threads into 3 D printed objects. A pocket which captures a nut may be one approach in this situation.
 
Thanks, everyone. Excited that people are actually interested in this.

Apologies for the delay. Busy weekend, but as promised, the Shapeways store is up:

https://www.shapeways.com/shops/matts3dparts

One person purchased the part already. I presume it was someone from FOG?

Here's a new video that is specific to this part (same video that's in the store):



Also, for anyone interested, here's a link to the Blum Process32 manual (courtesy of Woodweb):

http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base_images/ms/Process32_041204.pdf

Thanks for your comments, too. The hole in the part I have currently is 6mm, so too big to be tapped M6. I might redesign the part with a smaller hole so I can try tapping. That said, the feeling of the plastic (it's kind of sandy/grainy) makes me think that it might be too brittle to tap, and that the thin edges of the threads might not hold up. I do want to try it, though...

I think the captured nut idea is great. Thanks for the tip about Digital Machinist. I'll have to check that out. Unfortunately, I don't think Shapeways would let me send them a part to 3D print another part around. When I was designing this part, I thought about gluing/epoxying in a threaded bung. I decided against it because the knob/nut approach is simpler, and the stops are usually hanging off the table anyway.

 
You only need one. Depending on your setup and workflow, two might be convenient, but again, you only need one.

The LR32 set comes with two end stops from Festool because when using the standard 32mm system, the cabinet panels themselves are increments of 32mm in length, and so fit nicely between the two Festool end stops. With the Blum Process32 system, the panels are typically not sized in increments of 32mm, nor is  the top hole the same distance from the edge as the bottom hole. Thus, there is no standard "other end stop" that would allow the panel to site nicely between them.

I have not found this to be an issue. You do have to make sure your guide rail is pushed against the single stop, but that's not a big deal. Plus, once the rail is clamped, it's not moving in any direction.

I thought about designing and printing an adjustable "other end stop," but now that seems like overkill.

For those in the US, Happy Thanksgiving!
 
Has anyone who ordered one received their end stop yet?

Would leave to hear your thoughts/feedback.

Thanks.
 
I received mine but haven't had the chance to use it yet.  Quality looks good, hope to put it to work next week.
 
I got mine yesterday.  It'll be a few weeks before I put them to use, but they look good.
 
Just wanted to point out that you can now print in aluminum  at shape ways.

Be ready for sticker shock though....[emoji41]
 
Thanks, fritter63. I did see that, and you're right about the sticker shock! My plastic end stop (and the other plastic components I've 3D printed) have been sufficiently strong, but I do want to create something small (cheap) to see how the aluminum comes out.

I think the Shapeways aluminum is actually sintered aluminum powder. I had been skeptical of this because it seemed to me that this method would create very brittle and potentially fragile (for metal, at least) parts. However, I watched a video made by AvE (the guy who tore apart a TS55) where he tore apart a DeWalt grinder, and it had a sintered metal gear. After seeing that, I changed my mind a bit, and figure if it's strong enough for a grinder, it's probably OK stuff.

If I get around to printing something in it, I'll post results here. I also need to try tapping it and/or printing threads.

Anyone else had a chance to use their Blum end stop? Any feedback?
 
Thanks, Gordon.

I used mine this weekend on a dresser for our nursery. Worked perfectly. Would be nice if it were threaded, so as not to have to hold it in place and turn two knobs, but other than that, no complaints.

Here's a (terrible) picture of the (unfinished) dresser. It was adapted from one of Blum's Process32 kitchen base cabinet designs. The short drawers are a little short for a dresser, but with the end stop and LR32 system, the whole thing turned out exactly as I had initially planned.

View attachment 1
 

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