Parametric Barbed Hose Adapter – Metric Version

Boost MeIf this parametric adapter helped you solve a real hose connection problem, a boost would be greatly appreciated. It helps support more practical, functional and customizable maker tools.

 

This is a parametric barbed hose adapter designed for flexible rubber, silicone and soft PVC tubes.

The model can be customized to create different hose-to-hose connectors, reducers and adapters by changing the main parameters directly in Fusion 360 / MakerWorld Customizer.

It is intended for light-duty workshop, DIY, maker, hobby and utility use, such as:

• flexible rubber hose connections
• silicone tube adapters
• soft PVC tube reducers
• workshop utility hoses
• low-stress drain or vent lines
• custom non-critical hose fittings
• prototype hose routing
• maker projects and experimental setups

The barbs are automatically scaled from the hose diameter, wall thickness and grip level, so the user does not need to manually adjust many technical values.

 

Part of the CiCadesign Parametric Hose Connector System

This model is part of a growing set of functional, customizable hose and tube adapters designed for workshop, DIY, prototyping, light-duty routing and experimental setups.

Other connector variants are available on my profile, including straight, T, Y, barbed, smooth sleeve, Metric and Inch Preset versions.

Main Features

• Fully parametric design
• Custom side A and side B diameters
• Custom side A and side B insertion lengths
• Automatic barb scaling
• Adjustable grip level
• Center stop shoulder
• Internal through-hole
• Suitable for straight connectors and reducers
• Designed for flexible hoses
• Simple and fast to print
• No supports required if printed vertically, but angled printing is recommended for small diameters or stronger parts

Recommended Parameters

The most important editable parameters are:

Parameter	Description
A_OD	Outside diameter of side A barb section
B_OD	Outside diameter of side B barb section
A_LEN	Insertion length on side A
B_LEN	Insertion length on side B
WALL	Wall thickness
FIT_OFFSET	Diameter correction for tighter or looser fit
GRIP_LEVEL	Barb aggressiveness / holding strength

Recommended GRIP_LEVEL values:

Grip Level	Use
0	Very soft grip / easy removal
1	Light grip
2	Standard grip
3	Stronger grip, recommended with hose clamp

For flexible rubber hoses, a slightly positive FIT_OFFSET can improve grip.
For harder hoses, start with FIT_OFFSET = 0 or a small negative value.

Printing Recommendations

Recommended materials:

Material	Recommendation
ASA	Best choice for stronger and more heat-resistant parts
PETG	Good general-purpose option
PA / PA-CF	Excellent if available, especially for demanding workshop use
PLA	Only for indoor, light-duty, non-warm applications

Suggested print settings:

Setting	Recommendation
Layer height	0.16–0.24 mm
Walls/perimeters	4–6
Top/bottom layers	5–7
Infill	40–100%
Material	ASA or PETG recommended
Supports	Usually not needed
Brim	Recommended for ASA
Orientation	Vertical or angled

For stronger parts, especially on small diameters, it is recommended to print the adapter tilted around 35–45°.
This helps reduce the risk of breakage along layer lines, especially where the connector changes diameter or where the smaller barb section starts.

For maximum strength:

• use ASA, PETG, PA or PA-CF;
• use at least 4 walls;
• increase wall thickness if the diameter is small;
• avoid using low infill with thin fittings;
• print hotter within the safe range of your material to improve layer adhesion;
• test the fit before real use.

Important Safety Notes

This model is intended for non-critical, light-duty and hobby use only.

Do not use this printed part for:

• high-pressure systems;
• compressed air safety-critical systems;
• fuel lines;
• brake lines;
• hydraulic systems;
• drinking water systems;
• food-contact use;
• medical use;
• hot fluids;
• toxic or hazardous chemicals;
• any application where failure could cause injury, damage or leakage of dangerous substances.

3D printed parts can fail depending on material, print orientation, layer adhesion, temperature, chemical exposure and mechanical stress.

Always test the part carefully before use.
Use hose clamps where needed.
The designer is not responsible for misuse or damage caused by improper application.

Suggested Use

1. Measure the internal diameter of your flexible hose.
2. Set A_OD and B_OD according to the hose size.
3. Adjust FIT_OFFSET if the fit is too tight or too loose.
4. Use GRIP_LEVEL = 2 as a good starting point.
5. Print a short test piece before printing the final adapter.
6. Use a hose clamp for better retention if needed.

Example Presets

Preset	Side A	Side B	Use
8 → 8 mm	8 mm	8 mm	Small silicone hose
10 → 10 mm	10 mm	10 mm	Small rubber hose
12 → 12 mm	12 mm	12 mm	General hose connector
16 → 12 mm	16 mm	12 mm	Reducer
20 → 16 mm	20 mm	16 mm	Medium hose reducer
25 → 20 mm	25 mm	20 mm	Workshop hose adapter
32 → 25 mm	32 mm	25 mm	Larger flexible hose reducer

 

Print Profile Note

I currently do not provide Bambu Lab print profiles because I do not own a Bambu printer.

All models are personally tested and successfully printed on a Qidi Plus 4.
They are designed to be easy to slice on any well-calibrated FDM printer.

Verified community print profiles are welcome and appreciated.

 

The parametric version is intended to be edited from Fusion 360 / MakerWorld Customizer (PC version). Bambu Handy is mainly intended for direct printing from ready print profiles and may not provide full access to editable source geometry.