Metric Threaded Inserts for 3D Prints
Order plastic 3D prints with strong metal threaded inserts. Brass heat-set inserts enable 3D printed components to integrate a metric screw thread
Order plastic 3D prints with strong metal threaded inserts. Brass heat-set inserts enable 3D printed components to integrate a metric screw thread
Threaded inserts are ideal for projects which require
Easy Assembly
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Integration
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Standardisation
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Why use threaded inserts?
The metal threads of a heat-set insert are more durable than their plastic counterparts. Threaded inserts enable repeated screwing/unscrewing of bolts without degrading the component, increasing the lifetime of your product. Smaller sized threads are too fine to 3D print, and using inserts alleviates the requirement for machining parts. Threaded inserts come in metric thread sizes that are compatible with standardised, off the shelf components – reducing the time required to prepare 3D files with threads and ensuring that the tolerances will be correct the first time.
| Tappex Self Tapping | Tappex Heatset | Custom Requirements |
|---|---|---|
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| Available in M2, M2.5, M3, M4, M5, M6 |
Available in M2, M2.5, M3, M4, M5 |
Email us your requirements |
| Installation Method Screwed directly into the hole. No heat required. |
Installation Method Moulded into the plastic using a heat-press. |
Installation Method Custom installation methods available upon request. |
| Provides maximum strength, but requires clear machine access and a strictly perpendicular alignment. | Ideal for tight spaces, complex geometries, and angled or hard-to-reach holes. | Custom installation setups engineered to fit your specific machinery constraints. |
| Available for all customers ✓ order on online quote app |
Available on request We may swap your project to heatset if required |
Available on request |
Please note: If a design specifies self-tapping inserts but tool clearance is restricted, we may automatically switch to heat-set inserts to ensure successful manufacturing.
Preparing your 3D file for threaded inserts
3D files must adhere to your chosen inserts’ hole diameters and depths. An additive manufacturing technician will inspect the 3D files before production; however, it is the designer’s responsibility to prepare the model for the corresponding inserts.
Blind Hole
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Through Hole
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| Threaded insert (metric) | A – Insert hole diameter (mm) | B – Insert hole depth (mm) | C – Through hole diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M2 | 3.1 | 4.4 | 2.0 |
| M2.5 short | 3.8 | 4.4 | 2.5 |
| M2.5 | 3.8 | 6.9 | 2.5 |
| M3 short | 4.1 | 4.4 | 3.0 |
| M3 | 4.1 | 6.9 | 3.0 |
| M4 short | 5.8 | 6.2 | 4.0 |
| M4 | 5.8 | 9.3 | 4.0 |
| M5 short | 6.9 | 7.1 | 5.0 |
| M5 | 6.9 | 11.0 | 5.0 |
| M6 short | 8.0 | 8.7 | 6.0 |
| M6 | 8.0 | 13.2 | 6.0 |
3D files must adhere to your chosen inserts’ hole diameters and depths. An additive manufacturing technician will inspect the 3D files before production; however, it is the designer’s responsibility to prepare the model for the corresponding inserts.
Design guidelines for threaded inserts
To ensure we can install threaded inserts correctly, please make sure the following two key design features are included:
Minimum wall thickness
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Installation access
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Technical drawings for threaded inserts
A technical drawing showing the insert size, quantity and location is required to ensure the 3D printed fastenings are installed correctly. See the below example drawing for reference
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How to order threaded inserts
01 Choose inserts
Choose a threaded insert based on your loading requirements
02 Prepare your files
Prepare your 3D files for threaded inserts and ensure they meet the design guidelines
03 Create a technical drawing
Create a technical drawing detailing the threaded insert locations
04 Upload and specify on the online quote tool
Start a new quote, upload your 3D model and specify the correct metric inserts for your part. This can all be done online on our easy to use online quote tool.
Choose a threaded insert based on your loading requirements
Prepare your 3D files for threaded inserts and ensure they meet the design guidelines
Create a technical drawing detailing the threaded insert locations
Start a new quote, upload your 3D model and specify the correct metric inserts for your part. This can all be done online on our easy to use online quote tool.
| Insert metric threade size | Average pull strength (N) | Average pull weight (Kg) |
|---|---|---|
| M2 | 629.2 | 64.1 |
| M2.5 | 737.5 | 75.2 |
| M3 | 1304.1 | 132.9 |
| M4 | 2704.2 | 275.7 |
| M5 | 3420.8 | 348.7 |
Threaded Inserts FAQ
Are threaded inserts strong?
Heat-set brass threaded inserts provide a robust fastening method for 3D printed plastic components. The results of a technical report show that a single M2 insert can withstand the weight of 64kg.
How do I order 3D prints with threaded inserts?
To order 3D printed parts with metal threaded inserts:
1 Select a threaded insert size based on your loading requirements
2 Prepare your 3D files for the insert using the corresponding hole size
3 Create a technical drawing detailing the location of the insert
4 Email print@3dpeople.uk with your 3D file and technical drawing for a quotation
Check out the customer guide for more instructions on how to prepare your 3D files.
What are threaded inserts used for?
Heat-set inserts incorporated within 3D printed parts create a durable fastening. Typical applications include electronics housings that require integrating with off the shelf components, two part cases that need a secure fastening and repeatable access.
How are threaded inserts installed?
The brass heat-set threaded insert is placed on the insertion tip of the installation equipment and aligned with the 3D prints insert cavity. The insert is heated to the glass transition temperature of the 3D printed material before being pressed into the cavity with a downwards vertical force. The hot insert melts the thermoplastic material which flows around the insert as it is pressed down. When the insert reaches flush with the surface of the print, the installation equipment is removed. As the insert cools, the polymer solidifies around the left right helical grooves in the insert, securing it in place.
Can you 3D print threaded holes?
Larger, oversized threads can be 3D printed from polymer materials, however, typically these components have high friction, poor tolerances and wear over time. Smaller, metric sized threads are generally too fine to 3D print. Metal alternatives for threads outperform thermoplastic materials used with 3D printing. Therefore, tapping or machining a thread after 3D printing is less durable than using a threaded insert.
Can you remove threaded inserts?
Heat set threaded inserts are a permanent installation within 3D printed parts. After a threaded has been installed, it is not possible to remove without damaging the component.