InsertMate - Accurate Heat Insert Guide (parametric)

Update log: 2024-10-02 Printing clamp on the side, which has circular threads, will have some overhang, depending on material it might need more or less clearance. Increased spacing for the clamp screw. Added spreadsheet value to adjust screw spacing from the thread clamp_screw_spacing What is it? 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media Heat insert press allows easier and more precise installation of heat inserts into 3D printed parts. 3D printed guide block travels on aluminium extrusion in a straight vertical motion, springs brings it back to original position. Adjustable depth stops prevents from overdoing it and going too deep. 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media Why make it? Besides the obvious, that it serves as a guide holding solder iron, other designs I find had unnecessary or lack of features. Requirements and mostly how it differs from other designs Mostly 3D printed parts . Only extrusion, wheels and screws. No belts, no springs, no expensive linear guides. Parametric and modular design. Can support multiple irons, different arm size adjustments, and different bases for mounting, standing. Adjustable stoppers to limit insertions depth. Solder iron cable grip Assembly BOM 3D printed parts 2x Knobs Stopper Guideblock Handle Base (of your choice) 2x Springs Spring holder Arm SolderIronGrip Hardware Aluminium extrusion 2020 x 30-50cm length Must be with groove for V wheels 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media 3x V wheels 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media 2x M3x20 Hex head bolts for knobs 4x M3 T-nuts 4x M3 nuts 2x M3x8 Screws 3x M3x10 5x M3x12 3x M5 Nuts 3x M5x20 screws Effort and cost Print time ~3h Assembly time ~15min Material costs ~12€ Filament <2€ Hardware <10€ (most cost is 2020 40cm extrusion) Printing instructions No supports needed! Adjust object orientation accordingly. Most parts can be printed out of standard 0.2 Layer PLA settings. Springs should be printed out of PETG . Solder iron grip could be printed out of PETG too if your iron tends to get hot. Knobs should have brim . Parametric and custom parts Freecad files are available, if you need any step files or any other modifications, let me know! Arms 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media Spreadsheet cell name arm_length Default value 80mm Additional included files 60mm 80mm 100mm 120mm Bases 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media Single External Clamp Embedded clamp Screw to the table Solder Iron Grips 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media TS100 TS101 PINECIL Simple cylinder Spreadsheet name s_diameter sizes 15-25mm Angled cylinder Spreadsheet names s_angled_top_d s_angled_bottom_d sizes 15-24mm Top/Bottom Diff 1mm 1.5mm 2mm Springs 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media head_distance spring_radius spring_width spring_thickness Tolerances for all parts including base. Assembly steps 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media 3D printed Stopper Knob Hardware M3x20 Hex head screw M3 T-nut Aluminium extrusion 2020 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media 3D printed GuideBlock Arm Hardware 2x M3 nuts 2x M3x10 Screws 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media Hardware 3x v-groove wheels 3x M5 nuts 3x M5x20 Bolts 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media 3D printed Spring holder Knob Hardware M3x20 Hex head screw M3 T-nut 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media 3D printed 2x Springs Hardware 4x M3x12 screws 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media 3D printed Handle Hardware M3x8 screw M3 T-nut 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media 3D Printed Base of your choice Hardware (depending on the base) M3x8 Screw M3 T-nut 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media 3D printed SolderIronGrip Must match your iron Hardware M3x10 Screw M3x12 Screw M3 Nut 📷 Image redacted — claim this model to add your own media Hardware Your solder iron Latest revision Designed with FreeCAD 0.21 + Assembly 4 workbench Let me know if you want any changes or requests!