# Printing standoffs with the Standoffs / Spacers Generator

> cylindrical spacers and threaded standoffs for panels, PCBs, and enclosures

Standoffs and spacers are the quiet heroes of every mounting job: they float a PCB off its enclosure floor, hold an acrylic panel proud of the wall, and set exact gaps in stacked assemblies. Off-the-shelf standoffs come in a handful of lengths; this generator makes the exact one your assembly needs, in plain-bore spacer form or with an internal thread matched to a metric screw.

The **Inner Bore** toggle is the key control: off, you get a smooth through-hole spacer a screw passes through; on, you get an internally threaded standoff that a metric machine screw threads directly into, with M-size presets setting the thread for you.

## What you need

- Any FDM 3D printer
- PETG or PLA; PETG holds screw threads better over repeated assembly
- The screws you plan to use, for a thread test fit

## Step 1 - Choose spacer or standoff



Open the tool and set the **Inner Bore** switch. Off gives a plain spacer with a smooth **Inner Diameter** you size for screw clearance. On gives an internal thread; pick an **M Size Preset** to set the **Thread Diameter** and pitch in one click.

## Step 2 - Size the cylinder



- **Length** is the gap your assembly needs, exactly; this is the whole reason to print rather than buy.
- **Outer Diameter:** roughly 2x the bore is sturdy; go wider when the standoff also acts as a foot or visible design element.
- Printing threads below M3 is unreliable on a 0.4 mm nozzle; for tiny screws, use a plain bore and let the screw self-tap.

## Step 3 - Export



Download **STL** or **3MF** and duplicate in the slicer for however many mounting points the job has.

## 3D Printing

### Print and install



1. Print standing up, as exported; the thread needs to be a vertical helix and the ends come out parallel and flat.
2. Use 0.12-0.16 mm layers for threaded versions; plain spacers are fine coarse.
3. 4 perimeters, 25 percent or more infill; standoffs are loaded in compression and screw torque.
4. Chase the printed thread with a real screw before installation to burnish the fit.
5. Printed standoffs work great for PCBs and panels; for anything carrying real torque or heat, step up to [anodized metal standoff spacers](https://yxecreations.com/products/4-pack-anodized-standoff-spacers).

## Make it yours

- PCB mounting posts for Raspberry Pi and Arduino projects, threaded M2.5 or M3.
- Float a laser-engraved acrylic sign off the wall with four matching wide-body standoffs.
- Exact-height spacers to level a shelf bracket or align two enclosure halves.
- Mixed-length set to tilt a control panel toward the operator.
- Feet for project boxes: wide standoffs with a TPU washer underneath for grip.
- Cable management: short fat spacers as routing posts on a pegboard.
- Combine with the Machine Screws + Nuts Generator for an all-printed mounting kit.

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Open the 3D Print Standoffs / Spacers Generator: https://www.mylasertools.com/3d-standoff-spacer-generator
Read online: https://www.mylasertools.com/learn/guides/3d-standoff-spacer-generator