Making M3 Nuts flush into a 3D printed parts: any tips and tricks?

Hello all,

My name is Dennis and I'm a Reprapper in Sydney currently working on a Reprap Rostock build.

This is the first experience with 3D printed parts and I've realized it's a lot more harder than it is lol.
I'm currently inserting the M3 nuts into the nut holes, however they do not fit originally; so it looks like it's a finishing job for me to do!

After using a miniature flathead screwdriver for a considerable amount of time, I've managed to fit the nuts as following:



However, it's not completely flush with the plastic.
The following photo of the actual nuthole I've worked on using the screwdriver:



As you can see, it's definitely not the best.

Any seasoned pros that can give me techniques tips that would make it work for me
Cheers!
Dennis

You can try this technique just be careful not to overdo it!
[www.youtube.com]

--E_Roth_3

THANKS E_Roth_3! That's exactly what I needed

You can also dip your printed part into boiling water for 10 secs then push in the nut.

I had some luck using a soldering iron to heat the nut, sinking it into the plastic.

I definitely wouldn't recommend screwing it in to get a tight fit, split some of my parts that way.

EDIT: Just saw the video. In my case I used the side of the iron rather than the tip (which looked like it might hit plastic on the otherside of the nut). Also, once the nut was hot enough, you could likely flip the object over to get it flush rather than continueing to play with the iron.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/28/2014 12:36PM by Kurzaa.

For PLA, I poke a long screw through from the other side, screw the nut on a few turns, then heat the nut with a lighter for a few seconds and pull the screw until it sinks in.

+1 for soldering iron method.