3D Printed Jack Mixes Two Filaments For Great Performance
Summary
Alan Reiner successfully designed a 3D-printed scissor jack using a combination of rigid PETG and flexible TPU, capable of lifting 400 pounds. While practical, caution is advised due to its short stroke length and potential energy release. Files available on Printables.
Key Insights
Why would someone use both PETG and TPU in a single 3D-printed jack instead of just one material?
PETG and TPU serve complementary functions in the scissor jack design. PETG provides the rigid structural support needed for the jack arms to maintain their shape and handle the mechanical stress of lifting, while TPU's flexibility allows the outer layer to compress and adapt without cracking under the 400 pounds of force applied. This combination leverages the strengths of each material—PETG's strength and TPU's impact resistance—to create a more durable and capable device than either material alone could provide.
What special printer capability was required to create this multi-material jack design?
The project required a 3D printer with independent dual extruders, which allows a single print to incorporate both rigid and flexible filaments simultaneously. Alan Reiner's RatRig VCore4 printer had this capability, enabling him to print the PETG arms and TPU outer layer in one continuous print without needing to pause and swap materials manually.
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