Heat Set Inserts

I am making this page mainly to keep track of relevant links for heat set inserts.

When using them, you should ensure to check that the torque or pulling force you require for the bolt does not exceed the torque-out or pull-out ratings of the heat set insert for the specific type of plastic that it is being installed in.

Using Inserts in 3D Printed Materials

https://hackaday.com/2019/02/28/threading-3d-printed-parts-how-to-use-heat-set-inserts/

https://markforged.com/blog/heat-set-inserts/

Heat Set Inserts and Material Details

SPIROL Design Guide (Definitely read this!): https://www.spirol.com/library/main_catalogs/SPIROL-Inserts-for-Plastics-us.pdf

https://www.pemnet.com/bulletins_A4/sidata_A4.pdf

https://www.spirol.com/library/sub_catalogs/ins-Testing_and_Performance_us.pdf

https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/metric-bolts-minimum-ultimate-tensile-proof-loads-d_2026.html

https://dental-media.formlabs.com/datasheets/Standard-DataSheet.pdf

Example heat-set insert: https://www.mcmaster.com/94180A363/

M2.5 Inserts for Electrical Mounting: https://www.mcmaster.com/94180A323/

Tips

In the hackaday link, it mentions putting a metal bar over top of the insert once the soldering iron is pulled out to flatten the raised ring of plastic around the outside of the heat set insert when installing.

Installation Video

Follow this video for installing the heat set inserts into 3D printed plastic parts.
Do not use any force when installing it, just let the weight of the soldering iron push it in.
Also, be sure to use the soldering iron vertical rail jig in the bay with the special tip to install the heat set inserts (https://www.adafruit.com/product/4239), there is one in the bay - this will improve installation repeatability (it is not strictly necessary, ensures you are installing them vertically and square).

Open

Another part to be aware of is compression limiters: https://www.spirol.com/library/main_catalogs/cmpl_us.pdf