32mm Socket

Often there is a requirement for the use of tools and bits which do not form part of standard tool sets; a good example of this is a 32mm socket to be used with a 1/2" socket driver (Ratchet Wrench).

Tools can easily be bought at a hardware store; however I wanted to challenge myself to design a tool bit which could interface with the existing tools I have, as well as test the limits of 3D printing designs in a working environment.

I hope this inspires everyone to play around with 3D design, breaking the boundaries of the norm of materials used to create products and parts; and to continuously test the limits of what is possible, learning through failures and rejoicing in successes.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Prusa

Printer:

Prusa Steel

Rafts:

No

Supports:

No

Resolution:

0.2mm

Infill:

80%

Filament: Cron PLA Red How I Designed This ===================

This item was designed in Fusion 360. Standard Sockets generally have a circular body such as to be able to fit into working spaces; having assessed the environment the tool would be used in, as well as the forces that would be applied to the tool during operation, it was decided that the standard circular body would not suffice. Sockets are used to loosen or fasten nuts or bolts, this requires a torque force to be applied, if the model was designed with a circular body it would require the model to be printed with the tool interfacing holes to be aligned perpendicular to the build plate (if no supports would be used during printing, which I wanted to avoid). Printing in this orientation would mean that the layers are aligned with the torque force applied during operation and would most likely result in layer delamination during use. In order to avoid delamination I designed the part such that the layers are perpendicular to the torque force; this would cause the layers to compress against one another during operation, and as such produces a stronger part. In order to print the part such that the layers are perpendicular to the torque force it meant that the tool interfacing holes would be have to be aligned parallel to the build plate. This led me to the hexagonal body design, as many know circular bodies tend to have difficulty printing due to the severe overhang of one layer to the next. rnrnAn image is uploaded to further explanation the forces in operation during the use of a socket.