Simple Hinge by PieterNr1

Apparently, when you properly arrange objects in an STL for printing at once, you can do so in such a way as to eliminate the need for support structures!  Not only is this a clever use of limited build space, but it also conserves plastic while allowing printing of ever more intricate designs.

PieterNr1′s Simple Hinge above is the first object I’ve seen to use this technique.  It appears from the photograph that there is some slight drooping underneath the top two ledges – but I’m guessing this isn’t enough to interfere with proper operation.  Looking at his implementation of this technique, I have to wonder whether it could be used to print some of the various tracks and treads under development on Thingiverse.

Untitled by PieterBos

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Toilet seat hinge by leros

A toilet seat hinge, even a fully functional precision injection molded one, isn’t sexy – it just serves a purpose.

I like leros’ toilet seat hinge for a lot of reasons.  It reminds me of what it was like to own a 3D printer for the first time.  Window latches, replacement toy parts: I replaced anything I could.

I also like it because replacing something as simple as a broken toilet seat hinge is actually a big deal.  It’s the kind of home repair that is both easy and time consuming all at once.  Once you have the piece of plastic in hand, it’s easy to swap it out.  However, it’s such a small task that it will sit on a honey-do list forever, as it gets eclipsed by more pressing matters.  And yet, it’s really a quality of life issue.  Sitting on a wobbly toilet seat is not a fun experience.

I’m pretty sure it’s also a first of its kind on Thingiverse.  I certainly hope it won’t be the last.  I would love to see a hundred different designs for mundane things like toilet hinges.  Imagine: your toilet seat hinge breaks, so you bust out your smart phone and snap a picture, the five most appropriate designs pop up, and can be sent to your 3D printer. ^1 2 3

So, leros, thank you for uploading the first toilet seat hinge!

Untitled by leros

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1. And it is immediately printed and installed by your robot butler, J33v35. [↩]
2. I’m so leet!!! [↩]
3. Schmarty, how long do you think it would take to write this app? [↩]