How to Design a 3D Printable Articulated Hinge Mechanism in SelfCAD
A hinge mechanism is a type of joint or connection that allows two objects, typically flat and rigid, to rotate relative to each other about a fixed axis. Hinges are commonly used in doors, gates, lids, and other structures where controlled movement around a pivot point is needed.
The basic idea behind a hinge is to provide a point of rotation while maintaining stability and alignment between the connected objects. There are various types of hinge mechanisms, each designed for specific applications.
Creating a Hinge Mechanism in SelfCAD
SelfCAD is an easy-to-use 3D modeling software that comes with all the necessary tools that you need to create your files and even prepare them for 3D printing without the need for an additional software. To create the hinge mechanism, we shall begin with a cube and modify it.
Split
You can opt to use the various SelfCAD tools to do the splitting depending on the designs. In this case, we are using Cut With Plane. On the toolbar, from the Modify category, select the Cut With Plane tool as shown below:
We are splitting the object vertically. That means we are selecting the Right/Left plane:
We are splitting and adding the distance of ten to create the space for the movement: Set the Plane Offset to -5 and click save:
The plane has been saved as L/R_1. Next step, add a Left/Right plane again:
Set the Plane Offset to 5 and you notice that the space in between has been created:
On the Advanced Settings, set the Split the Objects and Fill the Cut to True:
Click on the check mark to finalize the operation:
The object will be split into three parts as shown below:
Select the center object and click on the Rotate tool on the toolbar, to rotate it. Rotate the object around the Z axis by setting the Z axis to 90:
It will be rotated and positioned as shown below:
Use the Scale tool on the toolbar to scale the middle object again by Y axis by 15, and set the X axis to 20 as shown below:
On the settings gear on the right panel, click Isolate the object:
Align
After isolating the middle object, go to the 3D Shapes category and select the Cylinder:
Set the parameters as shown below:
On the top bar, click on the Copy icon to make a copy of the cylinder:
Use the Move tool on the toolbar, to move the copy along the X-axis by setting the axis to 20:
Select the two cylinders and on the top toolbar on the Edit menu, select Group objects to group them:
From the Utilities category, select the Align tool:
On the Align tool, set the Reference as the cube (the rotated middle object; Mesh_12_Cut_1), and set the Align to the Middle:
Ensure it is aligned perfectly as shown below:
Union
Select the three objects above and unite them together. To do this, after selecting them, activate the Stitch and Scoop, and select Union:
Click the check mark to finalize the union.
On the right panel, activate the Face Selection and select the regions shown below:
Then go to the Modify category and select the Inset Tool:
Click on the check mark to finalize the inset:
Make a copy of the design:
On the Modify category, select the Add Thickness tool:
Set the Thickness to 20, and click finalize:
Next step, go to the Utilities category and select the Align tool. We need to re-align the objects again because when the thickness was adjusted, the set alignment was changed:
Set the Reference as the Union_1 and set the alignment to the Middle, that is, at the center:
Click Copy to create a copy of the object, and rename it as copy:
Make a copy of the main objects also, that is the remaining left and right side objects, when the cube was split. Select one copy of each of the objects. Then on the toolbar, activate the Sticth and Scoop tool. Select Difference, and select copy objects as shown below:
Finalize the operation:
Click Isolate:
The observed space made is as shown below:
Unhide and select the objects below:
On the toolbar, select the Scale Tool. On the Scale tool advanced settings, set the Keep Proportion to True:
Scale it down by setting the Y-axis to 18:
Select all the objects and on the top bar of the Edit menu, select Group objects:
Note that when we scaled down the objects in the middle, they do not intersect with the main object. The scaling created space for free movement. In case, you need the movement only on one side, it is still possible. For example, if you undo the grouping above, isolate the object and have the Union_1 on the workspace:
Scale the object towards the left as shown by the red arrow:
Unhide the other object as shown below:
When the scaled left part is merged, the only moving part is the right side.
SelfCAD offers a user-friendly interface and a range of tools that make it suitable for designing various mechanical components, including hinge mechanisms. After creating your 3D models, you can use the in-built online slicer of SelfCAD to slice your designs and generate the Gcode to send to your 3D printer. The video below shows how to slice files in SelfCAD.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
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