InsertMate - Accurate Heat Insert Guide (parametric)

Update log:

2024-10-02

Printing clamp on the side, which has circular threads, will have some overhang, depending on material it might need more or less clearance. 

• Increased spacing for the clamp screw.
• Added spreadsheet value to adjust screw spacing from the thread
  • clamp_screw_spacing

What is it?

Heat insert press allows easier and more precise installation of heat inserts into 3D printed parts. 3D printed guide block travels on aluminium extrusion in a straight vertical motion, springs brings it back to original position. Adjustable depth stops prevents from overdoing it and going too deep.

Why make it?

Besides the obvious, that it serves as a guide holding solder iron, other designs I find had unnecessary or lack of features. 

Requirements and mostly how it differs from other designs

• Mostly 3D printed parts. Only extrusion, wheels and screws. No belts, no springs, no expensive linear guides. 
• Parametric and modular design. Can support multiple irons, different arm size adjustments, and different bases for mounting, standing.
• Adjustable stoppers to limit insertions depth.
• Solder iron cable grip

Assembly

BOM

• 3D printed parts
  • 2x Knobs
  • Stopper
  • Guideblock
  • Handle
  • Base (of your choice)
  • 2x Springs
  • Spring holder
  • Arm
  • SolderIronGrip
• Hardware
  • Aluminium extrusion 2020 x 30-50cm length 
    • Must be with groove for V wheels
    • 
  • 3x V wheels
    • 
  • 2x M3x20 Hex head bolts for knobs
  • 4x M3 T-nuts
  • 4x M3 nuts
  • 2x M3x8 Screws
  • 3x M3x10
  • 5x M3x12
  • 3x M5 Nuts
  • 3x M5x20 screws

Effort and cost

• Print time ~3h
• Assembly time ~15min
• Material costs ~12€
  • Filament <2€
  • Hardware <10€ (most cost is 2020 40cm extrusion)

Printing instructions

No supports needed! Adjust object orientation accordingly.

Most parts can be printed out of standard 0.2 Layer PLA settings. 

Springs should be printed out of PETG.

Solder iron grip could be printed out of PETG too if your iron tends to get hot.

Knobs should have brim.

Parametric and custom parts

Freecad files are available, if you need any step files or any other modifications, let me know!

Arms	Spreadsheet cell name arm_length Default value 80mm Additional included files 60mm 80mm 100mm 120mm
Bases	Single External Clamp Embedded clamp Screw to the table
Solder Iron Grips	TS100 TS101 PINECIL Simple cylinder Spreadsheet name s_diameter sizes 15-25mm Angled cylinder Spreadsheet names s_angled_top_d s_angled_bottom_d sizes 15-24mm Top/Bottom Diff 1mm 1.5mm 2mm
Springs	head_distance spring_radius spring_width spring_thickness
Tolerances for all parts including base.

Assembly steps

	3D printed Stopper Knob Hardware M3x20 Hex head screw M3 T-nut Aluminium extrusion 2020
	3D printed GuideBlock Arm Hardware 2x M3 nuts 2x M3x10 Screws
	Hardware 3x v-groove wheels 3x M5 nuts 3x M5x20 Bolts
	3D printed Spring holder Knob Hardware M3x20 Hex head screw M3 T-nut
	3D printed 2x Springs Hardware 4x M3x12 screws
	3D printed Handle Hardware M3x8 screw M3 T-nut
	3D Printed Base of your choice Hardware (depending on the base) M3x8 Screw M3 T-nut
	3D printed SolderIronGrip Must match your iron Hardware M3x10 Screw M3x12 Screw M3 Nut
	Hardware Your solder iron

Latest revision

Designed with FreeCAD 0.21 + Assembly 4 workbench

Let me know if you want any changes or requests!