Your Guide to Printing FreeSlide Plates
Welcome to the complete guide for 3D-printing your own FreeSlide Goalie Slide Plates.
Whether you already have experience with 3D printing or are just getting started, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. You’ll learn which materials we recommend, how to prepare and assemble the Slide Plates, and how to get the best possible print results.
Disclaimer and Responsibility When Printing and Manufacturing
The 3D-print files provided by FreeSlide are intended for informational and educational purposes only.
FreeSlide accepts no liability for damage resulting from the use of these files or from physical products manufactured from them. Printing and using FreeSlide Plates is entirely at your own risk and responsibility.
It is your responsibility to check the suitability, safety, and functionality of all self-printed parts before use.
Please keep in mind that the quality and performance of your printed Slide Plates depend heavily on your 3D printer, the materials you use, and your print settings.
FreeSlide does not guarantee the performance or durability of self-manufactured parts. Liability for property damage, personal injury, or consequential damage resulting from the assembly, use, or failure of self-printed FreeSlide Plates is excluded to the extent permitted by law.
What You Need: Materials and Files
To print your FreeSlide Plates, you’ll need a few basic components:
- STL files
- approx. 350 × 8 mm plastic balls per set
(having a few spares is always useful) - a 3D printer and filament
- one pack of self-adhesive hook-and-loop tape
First, download the required 3D-print files using the provided link.
For the balls, we recommend approximately 350 Polyoxymethylene (POM) balls with a diameter of 8 mm per set, as these materials offer good wear resistance.
For the plates themselves, you’ll need a 3D printer and suitable filament. We recommend PETG filament because of its durability and wear resistance, although PLA can also be used.
You’ll also need self-adhesive hook-and-loop tape for attaching the plates to your goalie pads.
I Don’t Have a 3D Printer – What Can I Do?
No problem! There are plenty of ways to get your FreeSlide Plates printed even if you don’t own a 3D printer.
Schools, libraries, makerspaces, and workshops often have 3D printers that you may be able to use. It’s also worth asking around at your hockey club or among friends — someone may already own a printer.
Another option is to use an online print-on-demand service.
You can also often find affordable local 3D-printing services through classified ads or Facebook Marketplace.
And if you still haven’t found a suitable option, check out our “Find a 3D Printer Near You” page.
Recommended Print Settings for FreeSlide Plates
To achieve the best possible results, do not change the dimensions of the STL files.
More detailed print settings are included with the files. As a general rule:
- Do not exceed a layer height of 0.2 mm, as larger layer heights may reduce dimensional accuracy.
- Smaller layer heights are possible, but they will increase printing time.
- For maximum strength, we recommend 100% infill.
- Print the parts without supports.
Following these guidelines will help you achieve reliable and accurate print results.
Avoiding Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Problems can occasionally occur during 3D printing.
One common issue is that the balls do not rotate properly after assembly or cannot be inserted into the plates at all.
If this happens, take a look at our FAQ section, where you’ll find specific troubleshooting tips and solutions.
Correct printer calibration and print settings are especially important for ensuring that the balls fit properly and can rotate freely inside the plates.
Erstelle deine eigene Website mit Webador