3D printing has democratized fabrication at home, but there are a lot of items that many of us assume cannot be 3D printed. For a while, I put threads in this category.

Boy, was I wrong.

I had no idea 3D printed threads worked so well

I tried printing them anyway

I spent too long considering which 3D printer to buy, and in that time, I would often browse model repositories like MakerWorld and Printables to build up a collection of items to eventually print. I learned a lot simply by discovering items that I didn’t think were possible.

Many of these, like print-in-place models with working moving parts, are impressive but logical once you understand the layer-by-layer fabrication process. But one thing that I convinced myself of was that fine details, like threads, were not particularly attainable on a filament deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer.

While looking for camera accessories on MakerWorld, I came across a step-up converter for a camera filter. At the time, I was buying an infrared filter to try out some impromptu infrared smartphone photography, and I loved the idea of using the same filter on my “real” cameras too. I had little faith that a 3D-printed plastic adapter would do the trick, but I figured it would eventually be worth a shot.

It wasn’t until a few weeks after setting up my Bambu Lab P2S that I found the camera adapter in my shortlist and decided to print it out. My expectations couldn’t have been lower, even though the reviews were mostly positive.

To this day, I don’t think I’ve been more impressed by the detail or the value proposition this 6-cent print has delivered. The threads are perfect, despite the fine level of detail and “stock” 0.4mm nozzle I used to print it. Since then, I’ve looked at my 3D printer differently, not just as a means of better engaging with my hobbies, but as a serious tool for making small and detailed objects.

Threads are a feature in many 3D printed items

Here are some of the best

Of course, the step-up ring filter adapter is far from the only 3D-printed item to use threads. There are all manner of containers that use much larger threads, from rugged containers with TPU gaskets to lid generators for containers you already own.

Tire valve caps always seem to go missing, but you can print your own threaded caps in a color of your choice for less than 2g of filament. You can even print LEGO mini figure head valve caps if you’re so inclined. For 3D printing projects that still require some assembly, consider making your own fasteners using a parametric bolt and nut generator (just keep the limitations of plastic in mind).

Credit: Patrick Campanale / How-To Geek

There are many more unique items that incorporate threads, from garden hose healers to threaded spacers and GPU anti-sag supports. You can find some straight-forward instructions on creating threads in Autodesk Fusion and FreeCAD (among other modeling software), so you can add threads to your own models.

Good things come to those who wait

You don’t need the finest nozzle, just patience

I learned a lot about fine-detail printing from that step-up ring adapter. The model’s author shipped an STL that used the highest-quality 0.08mm printing profile. Patience is absolutely necessary for finer threads like this. For larger lids and fasteners, you’ll get away with a faster print profile.

Slowing things down is key. A thread adapter that requires 5g of filament takes around an hour to print, including pre-print calibrations. I also made sure that my filament was dry to avoid any stringing or rough finishes that might impact how well the threads join together.

Credit: Tim Brookes / How-To Geek

Results for fine threads would likely be ever better with a finer 0.2mm nozzle, which is on my shopping list as soon as Bambu Lab manages to replenish stock. That said, Bambu Lab’s 0.2mm nozzle is regular stainless steel (not hardened steel), so keep that in mind if you’re using more abrasive filaments.

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  Build Volume

  180x180x180

  Printing Speed

  500mm/s

  The Bambu Lab A1 mini 3D printer is ready to go out of the box and can have you printing within 30 minutes. Offering full-auto calibration, this compact 3D printer features a 180mm build volume and is compatible with the AMS Lite for multi-color printing. It also features built-in vibration and flow-rate calibration, which are typically features only found on more premium printers.

  
  

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  Build Volume

  256x256x256mm

  Printing Speed

  600mm/s

  The Bambu Labs P2S 3D printer is ready to go out of the box and can have you printing within 15 minutes. It features up to 20-color printing with the AMS unit, has an upgraded built-in camera for remote monitoring and time lapses, and has an enclosed body for printing even high-temperature filament.

  
  

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about 3D printing, it’s that experimentation is often rewarding. Creating your own models, dipping your toes into different CAD software, trying weird ideas like 3D printing t-shirt transfers and melting them with an iron—it’s all very rewarding stuff when you discover something that works as well as 3D-printed threads.