Hey there! I’ve been on a mission lately—to cut down on the plastic waste that comes from 3D printing. So, I decided to build my very own fully 3D printed shredder. It’s been a fun challenge, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Not only is this project about recycling, but it’s also about rethinking how we design and use parts in practical tools.
Why I Needed Durable Shaft Collars
Right at the sides of my shredder are two bearings that need to stay firmly in place. That’s where shaft collars come in. These little components go through a lot of stress, so I knew they had to be tough. I started out using plastic ones, but quickly realized I wanted something stronger. That’s when I turned to metal 3D printing.
Creating Custom Metal Shaft Collars
Thanks to the help of PCBWay, I was able to bring my custom metal shaft collar design to life. These aren't just any collars—they're parametric, which means I can tweak the inner and outer diameters to fit whatever setup I’m working on. It’s super flexible and makes adapting the design really easy.
What Makes These Collars Special
One of the coolest features of my design is that it’s symmetrical. That means you can fasten the nuts from either side, which is super convenient. I also used standard M3 hardware to keep things simple and accessible.
But switching from plastic to metal taught me something important—the design needed a bit of tweaking. Plastic has more flex, so it’s easier to tighten. Aluminum, on the other hand, is a bit more stubborn. I didn’t account for that at first, but now I’m working on an updated version with an extra slot to make tightening easier for the metal versions.
Want to Try It Yourself?
If you want to check out the design, I’ve uploaded the 3D models to PCBWay’s website, Printables.com, and MakerWorld. I recommend using the first version if you're printing with PLA or PETG. But if you're going the metal route, definitely check out the updated version (coming soon) using PCBWay’s metal 3D printing service.
Wrapping It Up
This project has been such a cool journey into sustainable making. It’s amazing how much you can improve a design by just testing, learning, and sharing. Whether you’re a DIYer or a professional, I hope this inspires you to explore new materials and think creatively about 3D printing.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more updates as I keep refining the design!
Interested in a more visual presentation? Check out the Youtube video!