Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Just got one of these 3D printers and was wondering if anyone already tried to print Uniseals with them? I have a roll of rubber filament for it, so it should work?

I can't imagine it working.

The uniseals are flexible rubber, you squeeze the pipe in between the rubber and it creates a seal.

I could think of plenty of other things you could make with it though.

Was it expensive?

Uniseals are made out of Alcryn - which is not something you can run through a 3d printer.

Domani I think it would be a great idea for non-standard size pipe, the cost of 3D printing would probably outweigh the price of standard size Uniseals.

If it can be done and at a reasonable price why not?

Not knowing the price of 3D printing I don't know what they would cost too produce

Alcryn melt-processible rubber (MPR) is a true rubber, based on a partially cross-linked, chlorinated olefin interpolymer alloy. Alcryn is designed for the manufacture of rubber parts with high productivity on thermoplastic processing equipment.

Isn't a 3D printer a thermoplastic processing equipment?

They're pretty hard to get here in Thailand, didn't find any supplier yet after long and intensive search. But, I might have missed the one. So anybody who knows a distributor or deals of Uniseals in Thailand, be my guest.

The rubber filament cost about US$ 0.08 per gram, so it depends on the size and weight of the Uniseal. Let's estimate at around 40-50 grams for a 1,5" Uniseal it would cost around US$ 4.00 for one to print.

Having them ordered and send from abroad is 1st a PITA with customs here (not much, just annoying to deal with these formalities and time consuming) and the shipping costs will probably make them way more expensive than why it's worth to me.

I just need a clear picture or 3D design to make it and give it a try. If anybody can provide me with a set of clear pictures of a Uniseal (inside, outside, rims or profile shots) I would be much obliged!

I could print them just when and if needed.

The printer was not cheap, there are much cheaper ones in the market. But it had a bunch of positive reviews, so I choose this one to give it a try. It didn't disappoint me at all, till know. The good thing is, I can use it to to print the parts for an even bigger one, which is on the projects list for …..I don't know when actually, but soon.

What about a bulk head fitting instead?

I think the challenge for a bulkhead fitting would be the threads. However, I suppose you could invest in a tap and die of the right size and form the threads after the fact . . .

I'd like a 3D printer so I can experiment with creating some venturis.

Threads can be printed as well, no need for tap and die.

I like the idea of the Venturi though. That could be a next one to try out. Good thing of these printers is, that only your imagination limits its possibilities (and of course the material, steel not possible yet).

If I wanted a pipe with holes in it, how small could the holes be?

As small as you like

0.1mm?

How does the injection system work? do you have to buy special sticks of material or can you fill a canister?

if you can fill some container, JB weld may make a good substitute?
or maybe it wont and will ruin your machine.

Potentially yes, but it depends on the machine. The lower end ones I couldn't imagine doing it.

There are online 3d printer places that have the good stuff, you send them the file, and they print it, send it off.