T-Lock Bayonet Joint - updated

thingiverse

UPDATED: A raised boss was added to make it easy to align the two parts of the joint and an access hole was added for shafts, cables, wire harnesses, candy, etc. How should we attach one object to another in the world of 3D printing? Two complex parts that have the details to hook together would be better than a bunch of parts, nuts and bolts. These two simple parts are connected with a double row T-lock style bayonet joint as a way to explore that idea. Perfect to join parts for an object that is larger than your build volume ... or for that removable droid arm. Here's a video of how it works: http://youtu.be/-jOLMR73O1E Enjoy! Scott Vader Instructions This was created in Solidworks 2013. The files are attached. I've also uploaded photos of the 5 steps to create the male T-lock. Step 1 - create one or more rows of T lock profiles in a 2D sketch, then make a helical path, then sweep the 2D sketch along the helical path. Step 2 - cut off the top of the helical sweep to make a wedge shape. Step 3 - copy the T locks around a central axis in this case 5 times. Three or more should work. Step 4 - revolve a rectangle to create a base for the T locks Step 5 - add a handle so we can test this thing The female starts with the same file but then flips the operations around to make them negative. If this was a machined part a clearance of 0.1 mm or 0.004" would be fine. With my Ultimaker I needed to reduce the narrow male features by 0.5 mm and increase narrow female features by 0.7 mm to respect the design. These files include those adjustments. Hopefully that works well for your 3D printer too.