Mechanical Tube Squeezer ⚙️

A mechanical tube squeezer to print yourself. It works not only for the plastic toothpaste tubes but also for metallic ones, like for mustard.
Some of the parts have to be printed with ASA or similar material to achieve the required strength. Please have a look at the print instructions. 
There is a mechanical stop that prevents too much force from being applied to the hinge. Nevertheless, use it with caution so as not to hurt yourself!

Technical Details

The squeezer hinge itself consists of two parts which are printed in place. The concept is based on ball and socket hinge joints from here. Pretty cool.

Print Instructions

1. Hinge
   • ASA
   • 15% infill
   • 0.2mm layer height
   • increased infill (≥40%) in critical area. see picture
2. Handle
   • ASA
   • 15% infill
   • 0.2mm layer height
   • print it laying with supports
   • increased infill (≥40%) in critical area. see picture
     
3. Cogs and Bolts
   • PLA
   • 15% infill
   • 0.2mm layer height
   • print them standing for optimal accuracy
   • increased infill (≥40%) for the bolts
     

Assembly

The bolts and the handle fit quite tight. It should be enough to simply press them into their place.