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Available as a Product on the Downloads page
These brass/plaster pyramids embed into plaster to provide a threaded hole that M3 bolts can screw into. That enables attaching 3D printed elements to plaster elements when making hybrid molds. Narrow inserts permit placement in cramped spaces and nearer edges.
These are made possible using M3 brass knurled nuts and M3 bolts that can be purchased on Amazon. The brass nuts can be pressed in using a soldering iron. The pyramid-shaped 3D-printed anchors are 13mm high, they will accommodate 12mm, or less, inserts (the longest ones in the kits shown here bottom left). The holes are 4.4mm dia at the top and taper inward at -2 degrees. Of course, you can adjust sizes and angles as needed for your application.
Available as a Product on the Downloads page
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The challenge: Create a 3D printed case mold that incorporates a plaster section just for the finished surface.
Top right: The secret is M3 brass threaded inserts in pyramid-shaped 3D-printed anchors (I have just pressed them into the 4.4mm dia, 10mm deep, -3 degree tapered holes using a soldering iron). These brass/plaster pyramids embed into the plaster to provide a threaded hole that M3 bolts can screw into.
Upper left: We made a cross-section CAD drawing of a three-piece demonstration mold (upper left). The top plate has holes for the M3 bolts, air escape and natch clips and recesses for clamps to hold a 3D shell, with flanges, in place (not shown).
Lower left: The anchors have been screwed onto the upper plate.
Center left: The plaster was poured, and over-filled, then the top plate, with anchors, pressed down on top of it. After set, the plate was unscrewed and removed.
Bottom right: The plaster section has been reattached and natch inserts and anchors put in place. The plaster was not sanded or prepared, this is a demo.
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