What are living hinges?
A living hinge is a flexible feature of a plastic part which allows movement of two segments of the part. It can be used for example to enable the closing of a lid.
In 3D printing the most important factors for achieving a good result for living hinges are: choice of technology and material, design of the hinge and the printing orientation.
Design and orientation tips per material:
Material and Technology |
Recommendation for hinge design |
Recommendation for building orientation |
|
Polyamide (SLS) Polypropylene (SLS) |
Thickness: 0,4 mm (0,3-0,5 mm as outer limits) Length: 6 mm |
Build hinge horizontally (in XY plane) |
Polyamide (MJF) |
Thickness: 0,5 mm Length: 6 mm (max 25 mm) |
Do not build hinge parallel to Z plane |
Tip for first use after print
Prior to first use, the hinge should be submerged in warm water and bent carefully, this will enable best possible durability of the hinge.