1-2-3 Metric Block
Print Profile(1)
Description
DESCRIPTION
A 23 hole 1-2-3 engineering block has predominately been used in a machine shop, but becoming more common in a woodworking shop, too. These blocks are manufactured to a high precision, typically to 5um and made of hardened steel and sold in matched pairs. Neither of these material details can be reproduced in a 3D printing environment, but there are still uses for a 1-2-3 3D printed block. These blocks are sometimes referred to as a Precision Engineering Block.
Please note that my 23 hole 1-2-3 block design is made to the metric specifications. The sides are 25 x 50 x 75mm. 18 of the holes are 9mm and 5 holes are cut to M10 x 1.5mm.
I understand that if you are a puritan, then the printed version is not for you. I offer my 3D print design for where the appropriate use will suffice.
What to expect:
Aspect | Precision Block | 3D Printed |
|---|---|---|
| Manufactured precision | +/-5um | +/-0.15mm |
| Material | Hardened steel Likely to damage your foot if dropped. | Plastic. Likely to dent if dropped. |
| Heat resistance | >1000°C, but heat expansion will affect precision. | <50-150°C, plastic dependent. |
3D PRINTED VERSION USES
In real world woodworking use, using the 1-2-3 block as a spacer, or as a right-angle tool for example, ultimate precision is not required, hence a 3D printed version is “good enough”. Blocks are often used in pairs to increase the range of quick dimensions available. So, printing multiple 1-2-3 blocks is a good idea.
THANK YOU
I hope that you can find this print useful, too. If so, you can support my work by buying me a coffee …
Remember to leave a comment, perhaps a like to keep me enthused to make more. I have a 100+ published designs. Do check them out.
PRINTING INFORMATION
My print is made in 1.75mm Bambu Lab PLA Silk Silver filament, with 0.2mm layer height on a Bambu Lab H2D printer. Print supports are not required.
Both print profile and the individual STL files are included for download.
To note, some plastics have a tendency to shrink during print, eg. ABS. Use of these plastics will worsen the block precision further and should be avoided.
Q&A
Q: Are the hole spacings for all 1-2-3 blocks the same? A: It appears that the spacing of the block holes is not a standard. I’ve noted variations on designs sold on the market. Hence, when purchasing precision blocks, buy them in pairs. |
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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