Here’s how I 3D-Printed these hinges to make a sturdy studio V-Flat

I made some sturdy VFLATs for my studio from thick Styrofoam boards and 3d printed parts without using any tape – LOL. They came out great! Here is how I made them.

Equipment

2x white Styrofoam boards 2000x1000x30mmBlack matte, acrylic water-based paintPaint rollerWood screws d=4mm x 40mm3D printed folding screen hinges3D printed corner protectorsPieces of 1.75mm filament as shaft

Studio V-Flat

I had to order online some white thick Styrofoam boards 2000x1000x30mm because our home-improvement market has only small pieces for sale. Use a paint roller and acrylic water-based paint (matte black) and paint one side black. I designed and 3d printed a double-action/folding screen hinge from PETG based on the ones made from metal.

This unique hinge was invented in the 1920s and it’s a great idea. For the hinge shaft, I used some pieces of 1.75mm filament and assembled everything. Afterwards, I used some standard d=4x40mm wood screws and fixed the 3d parts to the Styrofoam boards. The screws hold pretty well in the Styrofoam. Check the video below to see how this unique hinge works.

These unique hinges are designed with multiple pivot points to allow for dual movement.

3d printed double action hinge

assembled double action hinge

assembled double action hinge

hinges and corner protectors installed

hinges and corner protectors installed

VFLAT overview

VFLAT overview

VFLAT folded with the black side facing outwards

VFLAT folded with the white side facing outwards

You can download the files for 3d printing here and here.

Editor’s Note: Don’t forget to check out these other DIY V-Flat articles, here, here and here!

About the Author

Daniel Schweinert is a Director of Photography, VFX artist & Tech geek based in Germaringen, Germany. You can see more of his work on his website, Instagram, Vimeo, and Youtube. This article was also published here and shared with permission.