Versatile Heat Set Press

(02/11/26) Added Fixture Parts, some accessory parts and updated CAD with a Blank Tool Mount for custom mounts. Found a design flaw, original base extrusion mounting could cause extrusion misalignment. To fix that,  I moved the 3rd bolt to the back of the base which will ensure the extrusion is perpendicular. Added MiniTombstones that hold ~10 Canadian Dimes (in testing).

Summary

I designed this mostly 3D-printed heat-set press using spare parts I already had on hand, with a focus on versatility, simplicity, and repeatable results. I wanted something I could use on my desk for more then just a basic heat set press, maybe I wanna mount a Dremel make it a mini drill press or have it hold drivers for starting threads.  The layout is inspired by milling-machine-style designs and uses an off-the-shelf MGN9 linear rail to give smooth, controlled vertical motion. . 

The fixture-plate-style base lets you design and mount your own jigs, stops, angle plates and more. Making it easy to get consistent, repeatable insert installs. I’ve also included hard stops and optional M5 mounting points one 25mm grid to keep setup straightforward and easy to design your own tools. 

This press is modular by design, so you can create your own tool posts, mounting options, and custom attachments to fit your workflow. It also supports mountable, stackable counterweights, letting you tune the feel and control to your preference.

All parts are easy to print and assemble, and the design stays intentionally simple while still being efficient and reliable. The goal was to build something that works well "out of the box", but can grow with your needs. This whole project can be printed on an Ender3 (235mmx235mm)

• Up to 150mm part diameter

• 155mm Z travel

• 200mm x 150mm Bed

BOM:

• 1x 300mm 2020 Aluminum Extrusion

• 1x 200mm 9mm Linear Rail

• 1x  MGN9H Linear Block

• 2x 250mm 6mm Linear Rod

• 2x LM6LUU Linear Bearings

• 2x 20t 9mm GT2 Idlers (5mm ID)

• ~ 400mm GT2 Belt (6mm or 9mm works

• 1x 3mm x 20mm Pin

• 2x M5 x45mm SHCS

• 2x M5 x35mm SHCS (BHCS will also work)

• 14x M5 x10mm BHCS

• 11x M5 T-Slot Nuts

• 34x M5 Heat Set Inserts (7mm OD x 5mm Long) 

• 4x M5 Hex Nuts

• 2x M3 x30mm SHCS

• 10-20x M3 x15mm SHCS

• 8x M3 x10mm SHCS

• 11x M3 x8mm SHCS

• 11x M3 T-Slot Nuts

• 15-25x M3 Heat Set Insert (Voron Spec)

•  2x M3 Square Nuts (2mm thick)

• Small zip ties

• Heat Set Insert Tool

 You will also need something metal to imbed in the printed counterweights (Tombstones) Smaller then 30mm (L) x 10mm (W) x 10mm (H). I used Canadian Nickels and was able to embed 15 in each counterweight. Lead tire weights would be a good option. Filling the part with sand before it prints the top layers would be an option if you aren't scared to get messy. Get creative! 

Printed Parts:

• 0.2mm Layer Height

• 0.4mm Nozzle

• 30% Infill ( I use Cubic)

• 3+ Walls

• 6+ Layers Top and Bottom

• No Supports Required 

Recommended Materials:

• PETG

• ABS

• ASA

• TPU (for the Feet)

Notes:

(a) - secondary color parts

All parts are orientated for optimal printing. Bridging and overhangs will need to be properly calibrated.

Base  -  Is large and likes to warp, bed adhesion needs to be good. PLA could be used in a pinch for this. I did a manual filament swap at layer 3 from black to red to achieve the desired look.  

Tombstones - Use "add negative part" function in your slicer to create a cavity the same shape and size of your weights. Add a "pause" command 1 layer before the bridge layer that encloses the cavity. I have added the "Candian Nickle" (may also accept USD?) that accepts 15 Canadian nickels for my fellow Canadians. 

Feet (x4) - TPU - 2 walls, 3 Bottom layers, 0 Top layers, 25% Hexagon Infill

Tray -  Optional, but handy. Clips into extrusion, a convenient but out of the way place to hold your inserts. 

Assembly:

Coming soon........ Reference the CAD models for now (only Fusion360 file shows fasteners currently)

Finale Notes:

Please be patient , this is currently an ongoing project, I will be releasing new parts and documentation as I go. Update notes will be added when that happens!

Github Repo:

https://github.com/Herculez3D/Versatile-Heat-Set-Press/tree/main