Hi there, software like Fusion360 has built in joiners, connectors and other various pre build components. Does anyone have any resources they can share of 3D libraries that are software independent? I mostly use blender to create my models that I 3D print so the idea is to import the components into Blender and add them to my models. Thanks!!!
I certainly have not found such a library but if I pause to think about it, such a library simply wouldn’t work. The reason is the shrinkage of the inner holes.
I would suggest mastering the Connectors feature within the slicer. I used CAD too but I found that it was far quicker and far more accurate to use the connectors feature rather than try to do it in CAD and let me tell you, I spent hours over a number of weekends trying it in CAD.
In the end, the connectors feature was by far superior.
If you didn’t already see it, there as an extensive discussion on this topic a couple of months back that you might find helpful.
https://forum.bambulab.com/t/don-t-know-how-to-setup-connectors-in-bambu-studio/
Did I misunderstand the original post? Are we referring to connectors as electronic connectors and fasteners or are we referring to what would be referred to as biscuits and joiners in carpentry?
If i’s a generic library you seek, the one I use most often is https://grabcad.com/library
However, this is mostly STEP files and they are incredibly detailed. As in if you tried to import let’s say an Arduino PCB, it will import the entire BOM giving you over 100 individual parts, not simply the outer dimensional envelope. If your using Blender, it just simply will not work well unless you want to go through the labor of whittling down the hidden objects.
This will do the trick! Didn’t know the slicer had this option!
Not at all Olias. Your reply was spot on! I was wondering if you have any experience with creating joints that are actually articulating/moving? I’m sure that’s not something that can be done in the slicer? Here’s a reference:
To answer your question. Yes, I have PLENTY of experience with ball joints… all bad. LOL
I have yet to find out the secret sauce between material(PETG, PLA, PC etc.), dimensional accuracy and last but not least, reliability of the joint.
I did a ball and socket design for a gooseneck camera that frustrated the hell out of me. I ended up throwing away every other design on Thingiverse and Printables and rolled my own.
I’m not plugging my design but if you want to see what does NOT work well, feel to explore the OnShape CAD links I have in upload to Printables. Perhaps you can come up with a fix or alternate and share your results.
https://www.printables.com/model/645701-night-vision-critter-camera-motioneeye-kit/files
LOL. Got you. Thanks for sharing this. I’m glad I didn’t go down the rabbit hole and asked…