About this video
Why Use Dovetails to Connect 3D Prints?
Assembling multi-part 3D prints usually means glue, screws, or snap-fit tolerances that rarely work on the first try. A dovetail joint solves all three problems at once. By cutting a tapered, interlocking profile directly into your model inside the slicer, you can split a print into two pieces that slide together and lock in place with friction alone. This is one of the fastest ways to connect 3D prints without post-processing.
How to Create a Dovetail Cut in Your Slicer
The workflow shown in the video is straightforward and takes about 10 seconds once you know where to look:
- Select your model and choose the Cut tool from the slicer menu.
- Position the cutting plane at the exact location where you want the part to split.
- Switch the cut mode from "Planar" to "Dovetail."
- Adjust the dovetail size to match your model's scale and the strength you need.
- Enable the groove angle if you want the parts to slide in and stop at a defined position rather than sliding all the way through.
- Fine-tune tolerances only if the joint is too tight or too loose after printing.
When to Use Dovetails Instead of Glue or Screws
Dovetail joints are ideal for:
- Large prints that exceed your 3D printer build volume and need to be printed in sections.
- Functional parts that need to be disassembled for storage or transport.
- Models where you want a clean, mechanical assembly with no visible fasteners.
- Prototypes that you plan to revise later, since dovetails are easy to re-cut.
Tips for a Successful Dovetail Print
- Keep the dovetail width at least 2-3 times your nozzle diameter so the tapered surfaces print cleanly.
- Orient the joint so the angled faces are supported by the build plate when possible.
- If the joint is too tight, increase the tolerance by 0.05 mm increments rather than re-slicing the whole model.
- Print both halves in the same orientation to keep tolerances consistent.
FAQ
Can I add dovetails to any model?
Yes, as long as the cutting plane intersects the model cleanly and the dovetail size is proportional to the geometry.
Do I need supports for dovetail cuts?
Sometimes. The angled dovetail faces may need supports depending on orientation, but the interlocking surfaces themselves rarely do.
What slicer supports dovetail cuts?
Several modern slicers include a built-in Cut tool with dovetail and groove modes. Check your slicer's documentation for exact feature names.
