Originally, I planned to make a ball-and-socket link “arm” for use in another project. Although I think this design turned out well, and I got a decently tight fit of the ball into the socket, in the end it turned out to be not rigid enough for my needs. However, I hate to waste a good print, so I am publishing it here in case someone else can make use of it.

The idea of making a ball and socket design that printed “sideways” came from the link below:

https://www.printables.com/model/268933-stronger-ball-and-socket-links

However, the prints included here were designed from scratch and are my own concept of the idea. Two ball sizes are included - 12mm and 15mm diameters.

The photos include some CAD cross sections that show some features that increase strength and “printability.”

Print Instructions

Print in PETG using the 3mf files provided; otherwise :

• 0% infill
• 5 perimeters
• no supports required

Noye that while the print is not “5 perimeters thick,” using a print setting of 5 perimeters improves the filament alignment in the final print.

I printed on a textured build plate, and was able to get reliable printing without using a brim, even though the contact area on the build plate is small. These can probably be printed in filaments other than PETG, but good plate adhesion will be needed in all cases.

CAD

The OnShape CAD files for this are here :

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/645168b7c6c98b9599744273/w/cdc26c30aafef43be0a6944d/e/6afcf20e1514228321225928?renderMode=0&uiState=65345d1fbafa29274ae047ac