IKEA Hol divider brackets

The model is designed to form small brackets that fits in the squared pattern of an IKEA Hol box. The original goal is allow to support a thin shelf that can internally divide the space in levels, but other uses are indeed possible.

The model uses a threaded insert M3 threaded inserts and a M3 screw with 15/20 mm length to hold the 3 pieces together, securing the installation.

Model elements and printing

To simplify the printing procedure, saving material and limiting the need for supports, the model is divided in 3 pieces:

• The actual bracket, supports the shelf, requires a M3 insert to be screwed to the other elements.
• The external element, thin piece to place on the external side of the Hol. The M3 screw go here, to be connected with the bracket.
• A middle piece, it goes between the bracket and the interior of the Hol, has a shape that helps the installation of the bracket. This piece comes with a version with a sacrificial layer, to avoid support material.

Printing suggestions

The pieces can be printed in PLA but other materials (PETG, ABS, …) will work as well. The 3 pieces of the set can be printed separately or all at the same time. Different printing options are suggested according your preference.

The PrintSetup STL file show the suggested orientation for each model. The infill can be 15%, more if you plan to add more weight.

Multiple printing sessions

Because to actually use the brackets to hold a plane you must print a few, in example 4 or more, the a solution is to print each of the parts at a time, printing all the required replicas. In this case:

• Print the “External piece” model keeping the larger side on bottom, no supports are required, the layers height can be 0.30 mm to speed up the printing time.
• Print the “Connector” keeping the hollow trapezoidal shape on the bottom, with 0.20 mm layer height. There are 2 versions for this: 
  • a version that require supports around the screw hole;
  • a second with a thin sacrificial layer that can be printed without supports, the hole material shall be removed after printing.
• Print the bracket keeping the on side. 0.20 mm layer height is sufficient, smaller or adaptive can help making the hole shape better. To avoid adhesion problems on the 1st layer a small brim is suggested, probably not necessary in most of the cases.

Single print session

If you want to print the various pieces in a single session you can load the various elements in your slicer or use the print setup example combined model. Follow the orientation suggestions given before to improve the quality. A layer height of 0.20 mm is sufficient. 

To add supports only below the connector screw, if the version that require one is used, and brim on the bracket (optional) can be useful to use the ability of many slicer to customize the options for each object or paint the supports.