Creating Snap Fittings and Bosses for 3D Printing

[kellnerd]

Hi there,

I created this lamp body to be 3D printed in 2 section split down the middle (at section analysis 2 in the file) and I was wondering if there was an optimal way to create snap fittings/bosses for this shape as it is very organic and has no overlaps or spaces where they seem to fit in well due to component placement and the general shape of the design. Any tips and help is appreciated!

Thanks,

Dakota

[etfrench · Accepted solution]

Try this:

1. Draw a line roughly perpendicular to the body.
2. Split the body using the line.
3. Create a sketch on the bottom or top of one of the split bodies.
4. Project/Body to the sketch.
5. Either offset the outer perimeter halfway between  the inner and outer profiles or add a profile inside.
6. Extrude each half to make a lap joint.

p.s. You may need to offset one face slightly to allow the two 3d printed sections to fit together.