Inserting Nuts and Inserts

Heat-set inserts (threaded inserts) provide strong metal threads in plastic parts:

🔩 Insert types: • M2, M3, M4, M5 – most commonly used • Brass – standard for 3D printing • Stainless steel – higher strength, higher cost

🔧 Installation: 1. Design hole 0.1–0.2 mm smaller than insert outer diameter 2. Heat soldering iron to 200–220 °C 3. Place insert on hole opening 4. Slowly press with iron until insert is flush 5. Align with surface, let cool

📐 Alternatives: • Press-fit nuts: Print hexagonal hole, press in nut • Captive nut: Pause print, insert nut, continue printing

💡 Heat-set inserts withstand significantly more re-screwing cycles than a plastic thread.