Introduction: How to Make 3D Filament Rivets
Need to attach 3D printed parts? Rather than use pins, pre-made rivets, or machine screws, you can make quick and easy plastic rivets with a couple inches of filament from your 3D printer. I've been using this technique for a while now, and finally made a quick video showing you how on my YouTube channel Barb Makes Things.
The little creature in this video is one I wrote up a couple years ago, and I haven't yet written an instructable for the scissor mechanism poking device I show in this video. Let me know if you're interested in seeing that.
Step 1: Materials
- A few inches of 3D printing filament. PLA, ABS, 1.75mm, 3mm. I've tried it all and it all works pretty well.
- Wire cutters or pliers with wire cutters
- A hot tool like a hot glue gun or soldering iron
Step 2: Form the Rivet
This is very simple. Heat up the hot tool, and press one end of the filament into it until it melts into a head. String it through the pieces you want to attach, trim excess filament from the other side until there's just a small amount left, then melt the other side until it's snug.
Step 3: Fin
That's it! The great thing about these is how quick, easy, and cheap they are. You can make them with a bunch of different colors, matching, contrasting, whatever. You can remove them with snips or a knife and replace them easily.
Hope this is helpful!