Did you ever need a 3D print to SNAP-IN place?You can use compliance! I call this method “sigma compliance” for gripping symmetric parts. Today I made photos to show the key features. The fingers perform the strong pulling. The arms just squeeze a little. The belly adds friction. Are the photos sufficient to teach the method?
Edit: this post supplements my old video youtube.com/shorts/h2Psx3fifsU
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A continuation of my last post. These needs are 100% pointed to help universal needs. (the designs aren’t for me but i want help). Needs originate in my “openLabProject” because I studied the low-level functions of tools for years. These designs enhance tools inter compatibility and further reduce the cost of a lab that can build any dream of the maker. “Lab singularity.” See first photo for sample of standard materials.
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We have access to a world of help. Now we need to enable helpers. The process is roughly shown in photo 1. Example needs-statements follow. I’m slowly advancing on the designs shown. Honestly i’m responsible for Toyota-grade quality of modules. The joints, brackets, materials study that yields sustainable systems. Gosh it’s fun to make machines but i’m not there yet. I’ll write details in openlab github.
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Here’s a formula for some awesome bonds. I can break none of them by hand. Note: for bonds with a very thin layer (only primer and CA glue) they tolerate no shock. Push, twist, pull all you want but impact will free the parts.
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theory: Fiberglass rods gain function as a strut. struts require web members. lightweight struts are good for camera equipment and robot parts. I always print with ABS, which bonds nicely. The design called “web” is the minimal parametric model i could produce for this element. see the sketch which drives most parameters. anyone wanna build along w/me?
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Someone asked how I wire up the switch box for my 3D printers (120vAC) or my desktop fan/lamps. I’m not sure which. But I desire to prioritize documents for things that are really getting built. Please let me know! It’s the same wiring, but the Switch must be AC or DC (they are unique). Photos here show the switch for battery power box. Here’s a quick sketch but nice docs belong in openlab github.
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This is around 5 years of progress towards a systematic design library. (just a subsample, really). Individual parts are uploaded and described, and #openlab is the tag. functional, free, parametric, and built with a unified methodology. I need a world of help. Today i’m discovering the words to define the goals, which gives hope of communication that can enable this help 🙂 (see my latest short!)
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I use a ceramic tile and a 3d printer for curing painted parts. The tile has high heat capacity and keeps parts flat. I paint outside then bring inside to cure at 80*C. Handling time drops from 30 minutes to about 5 minutes
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Here’s some configuration data about the fiberglass joint and test. We can load this stuff with 600lbs or more by bonding with ABS prints. I include these photos on grabcad under “SLEEVE_v1” and next, we can check if this works for smooth tent poles which are ultra cheap. See the blades I recommend for clean cuts on fiberglass
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Some experts create real-world value and (secondarily) post on youtube. I wonder if viewers can sense this relationship, or we are stuck in a box (youtuber + viewer) type of relationship. So far, did you ever engage outside the box?
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Jack of engineerings and a master of science. (also a master of none) ☺️
[October 2025 News]
I initiated a Patreon because we can do more with some help! The big landmark goal is to get a helper - with video, lab builds, online documentation, any of my hats.
[About]
I'm an educator for robotics, mechatronics, multidisciplinary engineering. All my videos are backed by FREE, OPEN-SOURCE designs, publications, CAD models & more! What's unique about my channel? The community is packed with experts, far smarter than myself! Ask technical questions on any video, and you'll get fantastic answers!
[Links]
Website ► see lots of community projects (like an index)
Amazon ► affiliate shopping lists (tools, supplies, etc)
Discord ► Community space to support each others' designs
The SCUTTLE Robot Project ► open source robot platform, many applications
Open Designs on grabCAD ► my posted models, parametric, open, & flexible
Github ► several repositories for documentation of open projects
28 February 2018