E-Z Lok Inserts For MJF TPU 3D Printed Parts

There are many different ways of adding threads to 3D printed parts, this guide specifically covers using E-Z Lok Inserts for MJF TPU Rubber parts. At Forerunner 3D Printing we run into assembly applications almost daily that require some type of thread when either designing our own parts or consulting on our customers designs. This can be challenging when using 3D Printed rubber parts as the only 2 viable options we have found is to either print the threads into the part directly or to install a metal E-Z Lok insert after the part is printed. The reason you may want to go with a E-Z Lok insert is if your part will be getting assembled and then taken back apart regularly which over time could wear out a printed in rubber thread. We have developed our own design guidelines for the holes these inserts are installed in. We recommend using our hole sizes to prevent any splitting of the TPU part during installation while still allowing for a strong connection between the printed part and the E-Z Lok insert.

Hole Design Guidelines:

The video at the top of this page shows the testing used to establish the pull out forces in the chart below:

Bolt Size	Hole Diameter	Pull Out Force	E-Z Lok Site	Buy Here
M6-1.0 x 13mm	0.3543″	338 LBS	LINK	LINK
M8-1.25 x 13mm	0.4331″	370 LBS	LINK	LINK
10-24 x 13mm	0.3012″	174 LBS	LINK	LINK
1/4-20 x 13mm	0.3593″	120 LBS	LINK	LINK
5/16-18 x 13mm	0.4575″	272 LBS	LINK	LINK
3/8-16 x 13mm	0.4887″	420 LBS	LINK	LINK

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Comparison Between Printed In Threads & E-Z Lok Inserts:

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Want a second set of eyes to check over your design or have a question? We offer free Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) consulting for our customers:

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