Additive Manufacturing

3D printing allows for rapid prototyping and testing of new designs, but while this ease of creation is great, plastic can pose issues when fastening together parts as 3D plastic printed threads are not generally robust enough to handle repeated use. Threaded metal inserts designed for plastic allow for strong, reusable metal threads to be put into 3D printed parts. These inserts can be installed in several different ways, ranging from press-in installation to heat-staking with a soldering iron. E-Z Press and E-Z Fin inserts from E-Z-Lok are suited for press-in installation applications, and the company's E-Z Sonic is suitable for heat staking.