Humidifier for Cigar Humidor / Musical Instrument Case

This is a snap fit case to hold water saturated sodium polyacrylate beads (also known as Orbeez). This device can help provide humidification to a small enclosed environment like a cigar humidor or musical instrument case. The saturated beads holds moisture and prevents spillage, while this 3D printed case holds the beads!

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Creality

Printer:

Ender-3 v2

**Rafts:**

No

Supports:

No

**Resolution:**

0.2mm

Infill:

10-20%

**Filament:** eSun PETG Grey

Notes:

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During the Spring and Sumer months, I typically use Boveda humidity control in my humidor. As Fall turns to winter, my area is very dry and I tend to need an additional source of humidification in the humidor. I also need extra humidification in my guitar case after a bridge pulled loose several winters ago.

This case design is designed to hold Orbeez (sodium polyacrylate beads) in their completely dry state where they can be saturated with water without risk of spilling. This case was sized for my humidor and has the dimensions 6.5" x 2.5" x 0.8"

I load about 25-50 Orbeez into the bottom of the case, and fill with a simple mixture of distilled water and a bit of propylene glycol (PG). PG is not 100% necessary but can reduce the risk of mold from forming in the humidifier, and can help to regulate humidity levels. (*More on PG mixture below.) After the Orbeez absorbs the solution, I shake out any remaining liquid and wipe of the outside of the case. This goes directly in my humidor, and works with the Boveda pack to regulate humidity.

I added "plugs" to cover the slots on the top of the humidifier. 4 plugs will completely cover one side of the slots.

Supports are not needed as overhangs are very small, or less than 60 degrees. I do keep wall ordering set to “inside to outside”. I was able to fit both the top and bottom of the case and print “one at a time” on my printer. I recommend PETG since this comes in contact with water. Finally, I use a SensorPush device to monitor my humidor's temperature and humidity. Links above are Amazon affiliate links and help support my efforts!

*More on PG mixtures. Distilled water will work to bring up humidity levels in a closed space. 10% by weight of PG to water seems to be enough to reduce risk of mold. Higher concentrations of PG to water can regulate relative humidity levels at a given temperature and slow the release of water. In my experience they do not act as a desiccant very well if at all. At 70F, 66.5% PG in water will regulate a RH of 70%. While mixtures like these were used for a long time, I would still recommend a Boveda pack as primary humidity control. This case and orbeez is really for very dry situations and leaky humidors that are opened frequently.

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Category: DIY