Welder Plug Cover

This page was part of an MTU course MSE4777 OA and MSE4777 OB/MSE5777/EE4777/EE5777: Open-source 3-D printing Please leave comments using the discussion tab. The course runs in the Fall semester. It is not open edit.

Welder Plug Cover

Project developed by Dan Tauchen 

Status
This OSAT has been designed but not yet tested - use at own risk. This OSAT has been prototyped. You can help Appropedia by contributing to the next step in this OSAT's status.

Abstract

I currently have a job lined up with a welding company as a Mechanical Engineer upon graduation and thought about how male electrical receptacles were treated. Female ends/outlets for welders already have covers for their receptacles. When a plug gets wet or dirty, the operator typically blows it off; this plug cover mitigates the causes for this need. This cover is for a NEMA 6-50 plug.

Bill of Materials

1. Any filament works
2. A 3D printer
3. A computer
   1. Open source file, stl, and used g.code can be found on YouMagine

Tools needed for fabrication of the OSAT

1. MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer

Skills and Knowledge Necessary to Make the OSAT

• Basic 3D printer knowledge
• Basic slicer knowledge

Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions

1. Download STL, or customize a new model and download
2. Slice STL file in slicer of choice (10% infill should be sufficient)
3. Print part (print time is about 1.5 hours)
4. Insert NEMA 6-50 male plug into printed plug cover

Common Problems and Solutions

The main issue would be from tolerances. Current design has a 0.5mm tolerance for the plug. This may need to be adjusted if the cover falls off or does not fit.

Cost savings

A cover like this cannot be found easily on the market if at all, but this print would cost $0.42 if a $20 1kg spools of PLA was used.

Benefited Internet Communities

• Weldingweb Forum
• Hobart Welding Forum
• Miller Welding Forum
• MIG Welding Forum
• Metal Fabrication Forum

References

No references due to this being a new idea.