Drilling Plastic - Help Needed

[Harry50]

Hi,

 

I'm creating a 3D printed school that has a side that opens up like a dolls house. Basically my question is : Does anyone have a cheat sheet for drilling into 3D printed plastics? Does ABS split when drilled? 

 

Thanks

[JeffP]

No it doesnt, but dont go too fast or it just melts.

Holes under 2mm best drilled by a bit in a pin chuck turned by hand.

Above 2mm a slow electric drill works, but I'd be inclined to drill undersized and use a round file to finish to required size, to avoid the "three-cornered-hole" effect.

[Ian Smeeton]

As Jeff P says.

 

But if you are 'creating', i.e. drawing up a 3D Model. can't you print the holes?

 

Or at least, not print where the holes need to be.

 

Failing that, you could place some dimples which would give you a drilling guide.

 

Regards

 

Ian

[SR71]

I'd suggest print the holes undersize, as Ian suggests, then use a hand reamer to open out to the required size. Much less stressful on the plastic if you do that rather than drill. That is if you are worried it will be brittle.

Edited November 8, 2019 by SR71
quoted wrong poster

[RobjUK]

I agree, print with holes in place.

 

I can get reasonable results down to 1mm holes, I've used them as pilot positions for slightly larger drillings when I've not been sure of the final size required.

 

eg. The large holes in this are 5mm, the small ones 1mm: