Build Functional Parts From Day One
Printing models is fun, but the real payoff of owning a 3D printer is designing and building parts that solve problems. That usually means bolting pieces together, adding threads that survive being undone, and fitting magnets and pins.
The OzFDM 3D Printing Maker Kit gives you the filament, hardware and tools to do it without a trip to the hardware store.
What You Get
Filament for Real Parts
PLA+ in Black and White is tough, accurate and easy to print, ideal for prototypes, jigs and fixtures.
PETG Basic in Black and White adds strength and temperature resistance for finished parts that see real use.
210 Pieces of Maker Hardware
Knurled brass heat set inserts in M2, M3, M4 and M5 give you strong metal threads that can be assembled and taken apart many times.
Stainless M3 button head screws, hex nuts, galvanised square nuts, thread forming screws, neodymium magnets and stainless dowel pins cover most fastening, hinge and snap-on designs.
Tools for Fit and Finish
Precision flush cutters and a hobby knife with 5 spare #11 blades clean up supports and edges, and the 10 piece file set helps parts slide, press and click together.
Nozzle cleaning needles for a 0.4 mm nozzle and a brass wire brush keep your printer running.
Which Fastener Should I Use?
Heat Set Inserts
Best for joints you will open and close often, like lids, panels and electronics enclosures. Model a hole to the size in the chart below, then press the insert in with a soldering iron set to the filament's printing temperature plus 10°C.
Once cool, the insert gives you a strong brass thread for the included M3 button head screws. A soldering iron is not included.
Thread Forming Screws
The quickest way to join printed parts. These stainless screws form their own thread in a plain printed hole, with no insert or tapping needed.
For the 3 x 8 mm screw, model a hole about 1.8 mm wide and 12 mm deep. For the 3 x 15 mm screw, about 1.8 mm wide and 22 mm deep.
Nuts, Magnets and Pins
Model a hexagon or square pocket to trap an M3 nut, so a screw can tighten into it from the other side.
Press fit or glue the 6 x 4 mm magnets into pockets for snap-on lids, or pause a print to embed them. The 3 x 20 mm dowel pins make neat hinges, axles and alignment pins.
Kit Details
Full Kit Contents
Every item is picked from our regular stock, so you can top up anything from its own product page.
Heat Set Insert Hole Sizes
| Insert | Length | Insert diameter | Hole diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| M2 Long | 3 mm | 3.5 mm | 3.1 mm |
| M3 Short | 3 mm | 4.5 mm | 4 mm |
| M3 Long | 5.7 mm | 4.6 mm | 4 mm |
| M4 Short | 4 mm | 6 mm | 5.5 mm |
| M5 Short | 6 mm | 7 mm | 6.2 mm |
Set your soldering iron to the filament's printing temperature plus 10°C and press the insert in straight and slowly.
Hardware Dimensions
M3 hex nut
5.4 mm across flats, 2.3 mm thick
M3 square nut
5.5 mm wide, 2 mm thick
Neodymium magnet
6 mm diameter, 4 mm high
Dowel pin
3 mm diameter, 20 mm long
Thread forming screw holes
3 x 8 mm: about 1.8 mm diameter, 12 mm deep. 3 x 15 mm: about 1.8 mm diameter, 22 mm deep. Adding a small chamfer to the top of the hole makes the screw easier to start.
M3 button head screws
Take a 2 mm hex key (not included).
Recommended Print Settings
| Filament | Nozzle | Bed |
|---|---|---|
| PLA+ | 190°C to 220°C | 25°C to 60°C |
| PETG Basic | 220°C to 240°C | 70°C to 80°C |
Full specifications and drying recommendations are on each filament's product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any other tools?
A soldering iron to install the heat set inserts and a 2 mm hex key for the M3 button head screws. Everything else in the kit is ready to use.
Can I choose different colours?
The kit comes in the colours listed. For other colours, add extra rolls from our filament range. Once you have three or more individual rolls in your cart, our filament volume pricing applies to those rolls.
How should I store the filament?
PLA and PETG slowly absorb moisture from the air, so keep open rolls sealed with desiccant. Our Filament Storage Starter Kit has 5 vacuum bags, a hand pump, humidity indicator cards and desiccant. If you would rather start with storage than hardware, the 3D Printing Starter Kit includes it.
Will this kit suit my printer?
Yes, if your printer uses 1.75 mm filament. The nozzle cleaning needles are sized for a 0.4 mm nozzle, the standard size on most printers.