Join the conversations and get more updates on Patreon!
Cut out a pin mounting slot in your model using the provided model as a negative part -- see description
If you attended 3DPrintopia 2024, MRRF 2024, or MRRF 2025, I may have given you a pin that I made with this glueless pin mounting slot design!
I made hundreds of mountain pins to hand out at RMRRF 2024 that were flat prints that I super glued pins on the back, but that process was messy, stinky, and required drying/setting, and the results weren't very reliable – overall, an experience I wanted to improve if I was going to continue making pins to share at the RRFs!
After some brainstorming, messy CAD work and a handful of prototypes, I landed on this pin mounting slot design that fit the 20mm pins that I bought from Amazon. The first iteration I used were not pretty – they stuck out the back of my donut designs for MRRF 2024. A few months later, I had an improved version and made hundreds of mini MakerChip pins to share at 3DPrintopia 2024 – it was so much better than the original glue option in every aspect!
I converted the pin mounting slot design into a model to be used as a negative part. Position this on your model where it needs to be cut out – it should be on the top or bottom layer, rotate as needed (see 3MF for examples).
I've set up test pieces to check the fit – for the pins I purchased, I needed to test scaling only in the y dimension, so the test pieces I've included have the original size, 95% scale, and 90% scale.
I've also included the tests in both face up and face down orientations – I didn't need to use supports. Use these for reference on positioning and fit testing – the bridging can affect the fit, so make sure to test as needed!
I'll be adding some ready-to-print badge designs and support for more pin sizes!
Make sure you're following me here and keep an eye out for my community posts!
If you would like to help my projects grow, please share them with your 3D printing friends! To support my projects on this platform, model purchases and club memberships would help so much – thanks for your consideration!
💖Karen
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
---
NOTE: I reordered three more packs of 20mm pins to make more mini MakerChip pins for MRRF 2025, but the pins were a bit smaller and weren't compatible with my prints! Learn from my mistake – make sure you test a few pins before printing a bunch! Luckily, just scaling down the y to 90% fits this batch of pins!