Split an object with fastening mechanism

[Anonymous]

This has been such a fantastic community! I'm a fairly new Fusion 360 user and have been able to get quick and simple answers to a couple of questions regarding this project. Thank you!

This time I have a cross-bar that will hold an LED light strip.

However, the bar is currently 31.5" long. The intent is for this to be able to be 3D printed and that's far too large to fit. So, my question is what is a good way to split the bar at say 12-14" increments and still provide some way to fasten them together, back into a single bar?

I'm unfamiliar with how to provide a good fastening mechanism. Maybe tabs that insert end to end or something? I would appreciate any ideas!

  

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Please share the file.

File > export > save as f3d on local device  > attach it to the next post.

günther

[Anonymous]

Sure! Sorry I didn't include it with the post. If it's not too much work, it'd be nice to learn what you're doing so I don't have to bother anyone down the road.

[etfrench]

I print in ABS, so it's easy to glue pieces together with acetone. 

Use the Split Body command to create your individual sections.  Use sketch lines as the Splitting tool.  You can do half lap joints or puzzle joints or a combination.  Half lap joint sketch will be on the YZ plane, puzzle joint on the XZ plane.

[g-andresen]

Hi,

@etfrench has already given hints.
You can also take a look at this tutorial, for example.

günther

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the responses. I didn't go the split & glue route since I figured with that cross-section, it wouldn't hold long-term, but I'll try it out.

[etfrench]

When acetone is used to glue ABS, the bond is as strong or stronger than the original.  It basically melts the two pieces together.   You do need a heated bed and an enclosure for ABS. 

You can also use mechanical fasteners with the half lap joint.