Hyundai-Compatible Seat Recline Knob (Tested on ix35)

If you're looking to say goodbye to that janky seat incline knob in your Hyundai ix35, or if you just fancy a change of scenery for your fingers, look no further! This 3D printable knob is not just a feast for your eyes but also functional, ergonomic, durable, and you can even pick a filament color that complements your car's interior—because style points matter, right?

Designed for, and tested on, ix35. It might fit other models as well, but I have not tested that — if you wish to try it out, I recommend printing ‘front_seat_recliner_dial_core’ STL first and test whether it fits before printing the full model (if it's possible to fit it onto the shaft, while making it impossible to rotate without heavy resistance, the fit is good). The angle doesn't matter as much for the test part, but if you print it as-is, in the orientation that's most simple to print, don't be surprised if it separates at layer lines easily when rotating — the full model does not suffer from this when printed properly at an angle.

Recommended Materials

Considering the high potential temperatures in car interiors, only go for PLA if you can ensure your car doesn't get too hot (anything over 40 degrees presents a risk of deformation and melting). If your printer can handle nylon or polycarbonate, those will work great as well, otherwise this is the recommended order of preference:

1. ASA: Top of the list for automotive needs due to its high UV and thermal resistance.
2. ABS: ASA is a better fit overall, but if you don't have it on hand, ABS should do the trick as well.
3. PETG: Provides a good balance between ease-of-use and durability, although less resistant to both UV and thermal spikes than ASA/ABS
4. PLA: Not recommended for hot summer months as it can deform or melt, otherwise a solid choice due to its rigidity.

Print Settings

Layer Height

• 0.2 is a good choice, lower won't hurt either but I would try to remain below 0.3.

Infill

• 20-30%: Sufficient for a durable print without wasting material.

Wall Thickness

• 3 Walls: Ensures durability and strength.

Print Orientation

• Print at a 45-degree angle for easier support removal. Though printing it on its side at 90 degrees offers the best strength, support removal could be more challenging.
• If your printer handles overhangs and bridging well, you can likely get away with 60-70 degree angle and no supports, the closer you get to 90, the stronger your print will be considering its application and the direction of forces it needs to sustain.

Supports

• Minimal supports needed when oriented at 45 degrees (bottom only)
• 90 degrees makes the print stronger, but support removal might be a pain (as they will be printed between the internal ridges)