Heat-set inserts are a great way to embed mechanically-strong, threaded parts into a 3D print. For installation, all that is required is an economical soldering iron; something most of us already have ...

If you do much practical 3D printing, you eventually need some sort of fastener. You can use a screw to bite into plastic. You can create a clearance hole to accommodate a bolt and a nut or even build ...

Have you ever spent hours perfecting a 3D-printed design, only to struggle with attaching screws or bolts securely? It’s a frustrating experience that many makers and engineers face. Threads are ...

This article was updated May 25, 2023. It was originally published Nov. 17, 2009. To put hard, durable threaded holes in plastics, engineers often specify threaded metal inserts that will securely ...

Inserts are classified as two general types: those held in place by external threads and those that use some means other than threads (knurls, grooves, interference fit) for their holding power.