# Custom 3D Hat Graphics

## Overview

http://youtu.be/7lUS7PNU2Bw

Custom embroidery? Nah, custom 3D printing! Bring your hat’s style into the 21st century with this easy printing+sewing project.

You will need:

- [blank cap](http://www.lids.com/Blanks) or other accessory to mod
- access to a 3D printer
- flexible filament like [NinjaFlex](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1690) ([SemiFlex](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2321) preferred)
- OR [PLA filament](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) + hot water and a rotary tool
- [sewing needles](https://www.adafruit.com/product/615) + pins
- thread to match your filament
- scissors

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/023/669/medium800/3d_printing_custom-hat-text-02.jpg?1425483732)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/023/668/medium800/3d_printing_custom-hat-text-00.jpg?1425483834)

# Custom 3D Hat Graphics

## 3D Modeling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D81ekwieNBk

## Customize 3D Model

Check out our tutorial video about using the text tool in 123D Design for changing the text and customizing your own model.

## Download Files

We've shared our source file which includes the original solids for creating the sew tabs. Use the exisiting sketch to change the text and extrude to make it yours!

[Download Model](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:708341)
# Custom 3D Hat Graphics

## Printing Parts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cugBD34WTY4

## Ninjaflex TPE Filament

Check out our video [and guide](../../../../3d-printing-with-ninjaflex) on Ninjaflex for printing tips, finishing techniques and recommend slice settings.

## Slice Settings

Ninjaflex material works best with direct-drive 3D Printer. Use the recommended settings below to slice your 3D files.

Extruder Temperature: 230c  
Print speed: 30mm/sec  
Top & bottom layers: 4  
Infill: 10%  
Shells: 2

# Custom 3D Hat Graphics

## Extra Steps for PLA

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/023/680/medium800/3d_printing_Screen_Shot_2015-03-04_at_12.22.09_PM.png?1425489829)

If you don't have flexible filament, you can use regular PLA instead, with a few extra steps. To curve the letterforms, dip in just-off-the-boil water for a few seconds, then lay the part on your hat.

Keep in mind that parts heat unevenly, and don't expect to get more than a general curve out of this step. This is not a precise process. =D

You may also have to drill out the sew holes with a small bit and rotary tool to enable the needles to pass through.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/023/678/medium800/3d_printing_custom-hat-text-10.jpg?1425484323)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/023/679/medium800/3d_printing_custom-hat-text-11.jpg?1425484352)

# Custom 3D Hat Graphics

## Affix to Hat

While not strictly necessary, pins are very handy for determining the placement of your parts on your hat.

 

Thread two needles onto your thread, one on each end (or one at the center with the thread doubled, as shown, with the other needle threaded onto both tails).

![3d_printing_custom-hat-text-03.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/023/670/medium640/3d_printing_custom-hat-text-03.jpg?1425483936)

![3d_printing_custom-hat-text-07.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/023/671/medium640/3d_printing_custom-hat-text-07.jpg?1425483970)

Pierce through the sew tabs with both needles, bringing the ends to the inside and leaving a clean loop securing the part to the hat on the outside.

![3d_printing_custom-hat-text-01.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/023/672/medium640/3d_printing_custom-hat-text-01.jpg?1425484040)

![3d_printing_custom-hat-text-06.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/023/673/medium640/3d_printing_custom-hat-text-06.jpg?1425484434)

For a flush fit, it helps to keep the pins in place until the knot is tied at the inside.

![3d_printing_custom-hat-text-04.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/023/674/medium640/3d_printing_custom-hat-text-04.jpg?1425484194)

![3d_printing_custom-hat-text-05.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/023/675/medium640/3d_printing_custom-hat-text-05.jpg?1425484583)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/023/676/medium800/3d_printing_custom-hat-text-08.jpg?1425484269)

Tie off at each tab and snip the thread tails short.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/023/677/medium800/3d_printing_custom-hat-text-09.jpg?1425484296)

Don't like your placement or design? No problem! Just snip the threads with scissors or a seam ripper and reposition or replace your design.


## Featured Products

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Looking beyond ABS? Tired of PLA? Open a world of possibilities, limited only by your imagination. NinjaFlex, a cutting-edge filament for 3D printers, is a specially formulated thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that produces flexible prints with elastic properties. Patent pending technology allows...

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Looking beyond ABS? Tired of PLA? Open a world of possibilities, limited only by your imagination. NinjaFlex, a cutting-edge filament for 3D printers, is a specially formulated thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that produces flexible prints with elastic properties. Patent pending technology allows...

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Mighty needles, sew like the wind! This needle set is the only one you'll need for any sort of hand sewing, especially using our conductive thread and wearable electronics parts.  
  
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