Customisable (Parametric) Gauge/Limit Block for Ruler

Description

Customisable (Parametric) Gauge/Limit Block for Ruler

If you would like a gauge or limit block for your ruler, then this print may be for you.

Features

The clamp is easy to operate and will not move on the ruler when applied. It can be configured for virtually any size of clamp on rectangular or square material.

There are 4 parts to the print:

1. Housing
2. Clamp
3. Lever
4. Template (print this first to check for correct fit - more details below)

Hardware Needed

One or two M3 fasteners are required to act as the axle and keep the parts together. The length of the screw(s) will depend on the size of the clamp printed.

Setting the size

Files for the 4 sizes on the rulers shown have been included, but it is recommended to use Fusion 360 (or editor of choice) for the best results as the file allows configuration of the following parameters (Modify menu):

• Width (of the ruler or square/rectangular item)
• Thickness (of the ruler or square/rectangular item)
• Base_Thickness (thickness of all of the walls for the housing)
• Base_Width (the width of the ‘wings’ each side of the ruler housing)
• Tolerance (clearance between components on each face)
• Clamp_Thickness (the piece between the ruler and latch)
• Filament_Diameter (allows clamping force to be reduced or increased)

Recommended Steps using Fusion 360

1. Open the .f3d file (double click - or open from F360).
2. Select the ‘Modify’ menu - then 'Change Parameters'.
3. Set the Width and Thickness entries to suit your ruler (as accurately as possible).
4. Turn off the housing, clamp and lever bodies (to only display the template).
5. Export the template into a 3MF file.
6. Open the file in your slicer.
7. Print the template and check that it fits snugly onto the ruler (it should slide on the ruler but not be loose).
8. If the template is too tight or too loose, repeat from step 2.
9. Turn on the housing, clamp and lever bodies and turn off the template body.
10. Export and open in your slicer.
11. Import as separate parts.
12. Move the clamp from inside the housing on the build plate.
13. Print.

Increasing the Clamping Pressure

If additional pressure is needed to clamp the ruler, the “Filament_Diameter” parameter can be increased (default is 2mm). The original idea was to use a short piece of TPU filament as a flexible pressure strip on the underside of the lever to push onto the clamp - but found that if it was a solid the lever worked better.

Assembly

1. Place the housing onto the ruler.
2. Place the clamp on the ruler and slide into the housing.
3. Place the latch into the housing.
4. Use M3 screw(s) to connect the parts. The latch will mould itself to the thread(s).