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Placing inserts on rails

This chapter will describe how to correctly place the heat inserts into the rails.


What you need

  • Inserts;

  • Rails;

  • M2 and M3 drilling machine;

  • Soldering iron;

  • Sandpaper:


Step 1: Place the inserts

  • Mount and tightly secure the M3 drill;

  • Grab the printed rails and fix them on a vise;

  • Drill the four M3 holes on the corners of the -Y board to remove imperfections;

TIP: with the drill not rotating, align it with hole and then run it.

Insert holes

  • Repeat the above with a M2 drill in the remaining holes of both boards;

  • Turn on the soldering iron at 275 ºC (slighty above the polymer melting point) and let it heat;

  • Select the right insert for each hole and figure out its orientation;

TIP: check the figure to find out the correct orientation.

Insert orientation

  • From the outside perspective of the satellite, place each insert on top of the hole and push it down the rail with the iron, until the insert is totally inside;

TIP: make sure it goes down slowly and straight as the plastic melts.


Step 2: Final procedures

  • Sand the remaining material off the hole margins and interiors;

  • Check if the standoffs and screw can be easily fixed;

  • Check if the camera board can be placed on -Y rail and, if needed, sand the side wall to allow it;


Video guide

Press on the image to be redirected to view the video guide on YouTube.

Placing inserts on rails