Optimise a model for 3D printing

[DLambertW27TJ]

I have been asked to find a way to provide a model of an angled front panel, (which will later be injection moulded), for 3D printing while we refine the design. The idea is to print a flat panel, which can then be folded to the correct angle on assembly. I have done this by changing one dimension, (13deg angle) in a sketch, as in the images below:

... however there is a further request to incorporate other parts into the 3D print, to be printed as a single part. I have tried making an assembly & incorporating the parts as a Direct Edit. In both cases the additional parts maintain their position relative to the original angle (13deg), see images below, at 13deg & flattened to 0deg. 
Is there any way of linking this sketch dimension so that I can use one model for both scenarios, ie, printing & assembly.

best regards,
Dave L

[WHolzwarth · Accepted solution]

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@DLambertW27TJ  schrieb:

... however there is a further request to incorporate other parts into the 3D print, to be printed as a single part. I have tried making an assembly & incorporating the parts as a Direct Edit. In both cases the additional parts maintain their position relative to the original angle (13deg), see images below, at 13deg & flattened to 0deg. 
Is there any way of linking this sketch dimension so that I can use one model for both scenarios, ie, printing & assembly?

I could think of this way:
- Place all parts in an assembly. Base plate still has 13° bend

- Make a derived multibody IPT of that, with separate bodies
- Do a boolean combine (join) of the bent region and the parts, that are placed there
- Bend this part of the whole system to flat

Now 3D printing should be ok.

[SBix26]

Making it an assembly should work.  If the additional parts are constrained to the 13° section properly, they should move with it when it changes angle.

Any chance you could post the assembly and parts here?  Or a simpler demonstration assembly?

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Sam B

Inventor Pro 2024.2 | Windows 10 Home 22H2

[Frederick_Law]

This can be print at 13 deg with support.

Powder and resin will have no problem printing also.

Print one and test if it'll bend at 13 deg.

[DLambertW27TJ]

Hi, the first ones were printed like that & you're right, it's no problem for the printer to provide supports. We are just trying to streamline the process with a view to possibly 3D printing some parts for production later.

[Frederick_Law · Accepted solution]

You'll need to consider:

Support will need to be removed, easiest is dissolvable support.

With support, all the boss will have a flat surface.

Without support, the part need to be bend after print.

A locking mechanism is needed to keep it "bent".

The bend will be a weak point.

All the boss on the "bend" side will print at angle and will become stair case.

You have a few trade off between the two.

[DLambertW27TJ]

I might be able to send a simplified model later but right now we're a little busy. So far in the assembly version the additional parts do not follow the surface they are attached to when the angle is modified in the Panel.ipt