That's exactly what I was thinking about after I posted. I think that for low current preamp tubes such as an EF86 or ECC83, the latter two in particular would be sufficient. Beefy driver tubes such as a 5687 or ECC99 are probably less suitable for this holder.
I tried all three files. The first two gave a "no geometry data" error but the third one worked fine. I have printed it and the internal diameter measures 17.8mm. For the ceramic tube sockets I use this needs to be increased to 22mm. I expect this is actually 18mm diameter in your drawing so it looks like the 3D printing process result in the hole diameter being about 0.2mm too small so I think the hole diameter needs to be increased to 22.2mm.
[I tried all three files] -- THANKS!!! That's good to know!!!
That's GREAT to hear!!! Now you just gotta buy and setup at least 6 of these 3D-printers, have them all fed with a parallel-wired signal-feed in a "farm" configuration, and start cranking these "PCB Horizontally-Mounted Vacuum/Valve Tube Sockets" out like crazy for DIY'ers worldwide to buy for their low-profile 1U tube-based projects!!! Doing this will cause the sales of vacuum-tubes/valves to soar, which will then revive the economies of countries all over the world and bring "Peace On Earth" once again!!!
If only peace on earth could be achieved so easily. It takes about 20 minutes to print one socket and the same time to let it cool so in a 8 hour day, 6 machines could pump out at least 50 sockets a day.
I did not take a note of the printing time of each type but they were all around the 20 minutes mark. I will do a dummy run of the two versions tonight and note the actual print time estimate the machine gives after slicing.
Thank you. I am having a lot of fun.
After realizing that the circular-patterned holes are only needed to physically mount the external tube-socket with screws and nuts, then I am guessing that in reality, you actually only need two "outside" holes in the horizontal-plane.....correct?
Try this new attached file. It worked for RuffRecords!!!
Correct. The first time I fitted a socket I did it at an angle using one of the lowest mounting holes, but it looked like this could lead to it fouling the bolt/nut on the lower mounting-base flange/platform so I moved it to the horizontal position to avoid this. Even if the two fixings did not foul, they would have been so close to each other that assembly could be very awkward.
Not at all. At that point I was just interested in getting the tube socket to fit the hole. The lower mounting-base flange mounting holes are fine as they are.
Does my updated and "slimmer" design seem workable for you?
Looks nice, but without one side being flat to the work surface, there is a huge overhanging area which won't print without supports. Unfortunately one of the downsides of 3D printing, due to the laying-down of hot gooey filament under the influence of gravity, is that not every design will print well. Those with at least one large-ish flat side are usually the most successful.
Thanks, but for some reason none of the files posted to this thread are recognized by my printer's software (Bambu Studio) The program opens the file, but no object appears on the build plate). And it refuses to rename the files as .stl - When I attempt to import them into the program they are not recognized. When I search for them within the program, they appear but only as .txt files, and can't be renamed. Or they are rejected ('file contains no geometry data').
I prefer the original because I do not use self tapping fixings. For prototypes and/or DIY one offs, I prefer good old nut,washer. screw combinations.
Is your version of Bambu Studio up to date. My version is v01.10.01.50 and it imports these files without a problem.
I've so far put off the update. I guess it's possible that might have something to do with it, although my instinct says not. As I said, my printer works perfectly importing files from other sources, just not here. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll try it.
Did the update, same as yours. Still no go. Does not recognize file format, 'file contains no geometry data'. Files do not appear in Import window, only appear after search, then are not recognized by app. All files in my download from GDIY are clearly marked as text files - renaming them as .stl files does not work. I give up!
OK, just to be clear, I downloaded the files from groupDIY and stored them in a directory. Then with my file manager I navigate to the file in that directory and change its extension to .stl
Thanks for the clarification, Ian.
