Impossible 3D-printed bolt and nut by CreativeTools

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Description
The “Impossible bolt and nut” is an amusing 3D-printable two-part assembly with a working thread, where a nut is trapped on a bolt.

The single STL file contains the nut placed at a slight distance from the bolt’s head. The gap between both is sized to create a “skipped” layer thus making a fracture plane so that the nut can be removed from bolt’s head.

We have supplied several STL files scaled to commonly available 3D-print heights. Please choose the one that closest fits your desired print height. It is possible to scale the STL up or down with successful results.

Please see instructions for more information on how to 3D-print this bolt and nut. Also note that some slicing software and settings could interpret the air gap as an STL defect and remove the gap during print. You will have to disable the STL heal function.

####Download the STL files and 3D-print your own! 🙂

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Printing Instructions
##The gap
There is a gap between the nut and the bolt’s head. The size is adjusted so that the slicing software will “skip” a layer.

This air gap should be small enough for the nut’s first layer to adhere to the bolt’s head, but still large enough for them to separate easily.

We adjusted this gap so that it fits 3D-prints of PLA and ABS.

##Removing the nut from the bolt
Make sure you don’t cut yourself! Use a thin knife blad and insert it between the bolt’s head and the nut. Wiggle it and move it around the bolt until you can feel than the majority of the gap is broken free.

Remove the knife and carefully unscrew the nut.

##Choose the correct STL
We provided several STL files in this thing to fit different 3D printer Z-heights. Choose the STL which fits your 3D printer and scale it slightly if needed. The important thing is not to affect the gap too much when scaling the bolt.

Printing Stats
Impossible_bolt_and_nut__height_136_mm__-_By_CT3D.xyz.stl Time: 14h 32m 54s Filament used: 14.5458m
Impossible_bolt_and_nut__height_230_mm__-_By_CT3D.xyz.stl Time: 57h 51m 39s Filament used: 64.2025m
Impossible_bolt_and_nut__height_457_mm__-_By_CT3D.xyz.stl Time: 391h 15m 14s Filament used: 474.38m
Impossible_bolt_and_nut__height_205_mm__-_By_CT3D.xyz.stl Time: 42h 18m 41s Filament used: 45.9916m
Buy This Printed
Instead of downloading everything and 3D printing it yourself, let us handle it! All printable pieces will be 3D printed by either us, or a trusted manufacturing partner, and then shipped right to your doorstep with no hassle.
Click here to learn more about printing through Lagoon.