ST Logo Trailer Hitch Cover for Ford Explorer

Update 05/07/2024:

See https://www.printables.com/model/865450-blank-hitch-cover-with-compliant-spring-lock-mecha for improved customizable blank design…

See https://www.printables.com/model/871479-st-logo-hitch-cover-with-spring-latch for ST remix…

------------------------------------

Since there didn't appear to be anything out there readily available with an "ST" logo, and because it had been a while since I 3D printed anything, I decided to design a hitch cover for my wife's 2020 Explorer ST. Initially, I thought of making a modular design with multiple parts to handle multiple colors. However, since I'd never tried anything changing filament mid-print, I decided to so something along those lines. I have a single extruder machine--the QIDI X-MAX should anyone be interested. While this is basically a 2" tow hitch cover, I've created the dimensions/fit specific to the aforementioned vehicle. If you intend to print for something else, I'd suggest checking dimensions.

The design prints without supports--it should be printed with the logo face down to the build plate. You should use a material with some flex if you want the "springs" to function properly without snapping. I used Duramic 3D PLA+ (for each of the colors) on the prints in the photos which works nicely for the flex. I will probably print another in ABS or PETG one day, but we'll see how well these hold up outdoors. I may also try out some type of sealer on the PLA+. I may post some more photos if I do that. The flat finish from the textured buildplate matches the ST trim pretty well, but something glossy might also be interesting.

To achieve the dual color print on a single extruder machine, you simply need to pause the print to change filaments at the appropriate layers/heights... The specific way to do this varies between slicers and printers so you'll need to figure some of that out on your own. If you haven't done it before (like me), I suggest trying it out on a small test piece before going for the full print. It took some trial and error to find out what works for my printer. There are several ways to go about it. Depending on your printer/slicer you may be able to insert the pauses/filament changes using the slicer. You can just watch and manually pause the print, etc.. There are plenty of tutorials out there if you look, probably much more specific to the printer you may happen to use. In my case, what I eventually settled on is slicing normally, then manually inserting two "M0" commands into the generated gcode at the appropriate layers so that I could change filament...

If you use the same settings as me (and you want prints to look the same as mine), you'll need to change colors between layers 3 and 4 and between layers 10 and 11. If you want something a bit different, you can use the slicer preview to figure out where to do the filament swaps.

I'm using a 0.4mm nozzle. The basic print settings (in Cura) are as follows:
-0.6mm line width
-0.25mm layer height
-Bottom, top layers: 4
-Wall line count: 3
-Gyroid infill @ 15%, 4mm spacing

If you want the sides clean and free of bumps/zits, I'd suggest aligning the z-seam with the lower left corner of the logo (somewhere near the bottom of the "S").

Enjoy!