This snap-in access door is just simply better than the commercially available screw-in versions.  The door is removable and can be installed in any orientation.  Not only does that mean you can change the orientation after it is installed, but you can easily remove the door when working through the opening.  This model includes a collar to cover the edges of the cut wall for a cleaner installation and appearance. 

A back-side collar locks the front onto the wall without screws (but it can be screwed in as well if you choose).  The two halves sandwich the wall with a ratchet-style click mechanism every 1/8” (3.2mm) to accommodate all common wall boards from 3/8” to 3/4”.  A spring system on the Back Collar allows for a firm grip and adjusts for variations in wall thickness due to paint, paper, plaster, etcetera.   Screws can also be used if desired.

The Snap-In Acces Door has a “lockable” latch to prevent accidental opening.  And, the entire assembly snaps together without tools.   Not to mention, you can print it at home!

I have made two sizes so far, approximately 150mm x 150mm (6” x 6”) square, and approximately 200mm x 200mm (8” x 8”) square.

Printing

Functional designs (such as this one) generally require more strength than non-functional designs and more strength than the typical default slicer settings provide, so please review your slicer settings carefully.

This product was designed for a 0.4mm nozzle, a 0.2mm layer height and the following settings:

• Wall Line Count = 4 ( 4 x 0.4mm = 1.6mm walls )
• Top and Bottom Layer Count = 5 ( 5 x 0.2mm = 1.0mm top and bottom )
• Infill = 40%, Cubic
• Ironing = ON, Everywhere (to assist in separating the layer components)
• Ironing = OFF (not needed)
• Support = All required support is designed into this product
• Brim = NO (a brim can complicate details of print-in-place parts and parts printed close together – If you have to use a brim, set it to “outside only”)
• MATERIAL: PETG recommended (any material should work fine)
• PRINT ORIENTATION:

Assembly Notes

The only post-print assembly required is snapping the finger cup into the latch and then the latch into the door. See the illustration for an overview of that.

Installation Instructions

Once the door is assembled, installing the assembly into a wall starts with cutting a hole in the wall. The hole size varies depending don’t the door size you choose as follows:

• 150mm x 150mm (6” x 6”) door: Cut a (155mm) 6-1/8” square opening
• 200mm x 200mm (8” x 8”) door: Cut a (205mm) 8-1/8” square opening

With the opening in the wall cut out, locate the Inside Collar on the back side of the wall. Then pull it forward into the cutout. Hopefully, it will friction fit at that point and stay in place but if it does not, hold on to it for the next step.

Press the Front Collar into the Frame, and snap it into place, then press that assembly into the Inside Collar through the wall (sandwiching the wall). Squeeze together until they are fully seated together.

Then, install the door into the Frame by squeezing the tabs inward and placing the door into the frame in the orientation of your choice.

I have included a lot of screw holes in case you also want to or need to use some screws to secure the door assembly.

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