<p>I am trying to create a two-piece snap-fit or joint using a 3D printer (Resin). After that, I plan to coat the joint with a conductive spray and create an electrical connection when the two pieces are joined together.</p>
<p><strong>Has this been done before? Are certain types of joint mechanism recommended?</strong></p>
<p>I will probably use carbon spray because it is cheaper than others. However, after the spray dries it can start to flake and thin, so I might need a couple of rounds of coating or something else. Any tips are appreciated.</p>
<p>However, more importantly is the joint mechanism - this is what I had in mind:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/6t3Ef.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Plastic ball joint example"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/6t3Ef.png" alt="Plastic ball joint example" title="Plastic ball joint example" /></a></p>
<p>The signal would be a DC current only, in the µA range and the targeted resistance would be less than 20 Ω.</p>
<p>Can this work? If not, what are my alternatives?</p>

[{'answer_id': 19554, 'author': 'fred_dot_u', 'author_id': 854, 'author_profile': 'https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/users/854', 'pm_score': 2, 'selected': False, 'text': '<p><a href="https://www.instructables.com/Copper-Electroforming-on-3d-Printed-PLAABS-Objects/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Electroforming</a> is the process of applying a conductive paint to a non-conductive surface. Once dry, the object is subjected to a process similar to electroplating, in that molecules of a conductive, more durable metal are bonded to the conductive paint, which is bonded to the 3D printed part.</p>\n<p>Typical metals would be nickel, which is quite conductive, as well as copper, known for conductivity. One could be somewhat absurd and perform the same process with silver and gold. The absurdity is related to the expense of those materials.</p>\n<p>The link covers using copper, but I believe that nickel would be more durable.</p>\n<p>Your joint selection is more related to the strength of the design and contact surface area and may be better suited for a more detailed separate question.</p>\n<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/ypefi.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/ypefi.png" alt="electroformed 3d printed calibration cube" /></a>\nAs usual, image from linked site.</p>\n'}, {'answer_id': 19557, 'author': 'Eduard Sukharev', 'author_id': 10944, 'author_profile': 'https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/users/10944', 'pm_score': 1, 'selected': False, 'text': '<p>For your task you basically have several options:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Electroforming</strong> (see @fred_dot_u answer). Pros: high electrical conductivity due to actual metal layer; very low friction between polished metal layers. Cons: the process is quite dirty and requires additional materials and processing, plus some skill to produce results of appropriate quality.</li>\n<li><strong>Conductive filament</strong> (e.h. <a href="https://www.makerbot.com/3d-printers/materials/method-pla/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">PLA from Makerbot</a>). Pros: direct printing of any form. Cons: high price, probably tricky to print with, high current resistance.</li>\n<li><strong>Sliding electrical connections</strong> (e.g. as in brushed motors or magnetic USB charging cables). Pros: when properly executed will be very durable and probably could even reuse parts from existing markets (brushed motors use this trick for very long time). Cons: requires additional engineering and redesign of your existing parts.</li>\n<li><strong>Wireless connection</strong> (e.g. parts use radio/Bluetooth/WiFi for communicating). Pros: independent functionality of each \'limb\'. Cons: independent power sources required for each limb; complex communication means.</li>\n<li><strong>Optical signalling</strong>. Pros: no electrical connections; depending on your use-case might fall in-between <em>wireless connection</em> (without the need of additional power source) and <em>sliding/magnetic connections</em>. Cons: requires skills and tools to work with fiberoptics, which is totally different story.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>Depending on your resources, requirements, skills and time you would chose one of above. You may also find some alternative solutions from engineering world.</p>\n'}]
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