Welder Plug Cover

Welder Plug Cover

Project developed by Dan Tauchen

This Open Source Appropriate Technology has been designed but not yet tested — use at your own risk.

This Open Source Appropriate Technology has been prototyped.

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.