Retrotyping Case Study: Printer Lid Hinge

In this case study we exam the repair of a plastic (abs) 3D printer lid hinge pin that broke off while attempting to change the filament cartridge. Luckily the other hinge pin had not broken off so I was able to take detailed measurements of it and quickly create a replacement model that was then printed using the same ABS filament cartridge whose installation led to the break.

Modeling time: 20 min

Printing time: 30 min

Once the new hinge pin was printed the lid was modified with a hand drill to create a hole for it to mount through.

The new hinge pin was then inserted through the hole, aligned with the the existing pin on the other side, and affixed in place by gluing the washer onto the pin from the inside of the lid.