FAB ACADEMY 2026 · WEEK 5
Functional hinge design and dimensional scanning for final project integration.
This week focused on combining mechanical design and spatial analysis. Instead of printing a decorative object, I designed a functional print-in-place hinge that will later be integrated into my final project.
Additionally, I performed a 3D scan of my 3D printer using Polycam in order to obtain real-world dimensional constraints and ensure mechanical compatibility in my final system.
I chose SolidWorks because I am certified in this software and it allows advanced parametric modeling. This was critical for:
The hinge was designed as a single printed component with internal clearances to allow rotation without post-assembly.
Clearance used: 0.3 – 0.5 mm, selected based on:
Print-in-place hinge with parametric clearance for rotational movement.
I used Bambu Studio for slicing because it provides:
| Parameter | Value | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Material | PLA | Dimensional stability and ease of printing |
| Layer Height | 0.2 mm | Precision vs print time balance |
| Nozzle | 0.4 mm | Standard mechanical tolerance |
| Infill | 20% | Sufficient strength for hinge testing |
| Supports | None | Print-in-place design |
As expected, the hinge printed successfully with functional rotation and no post-processing required. The parametric design allowed for quick adjustments in case of fit issues.
For my final project, I need to design components that physically interact with my 3D printer. Instead of relying only on manual measurements, I generated a 3D scan to:
Video of how was made the scan with Polycam.
Texture mapping of the 3D scan showing the detailed surface information captured by Polycam. This texture provides visual context for spatial analysis and integration planning.
The scan does not replace caliper measurements but provides spatial validation and integration support.
This week directly supports the mechanical architecture of my final project.
By combining parametric modeling, controlled additive manufacturing, and spatial scanning, I ensured that my final system is dimensionally accurate and mechanically reliable.
