bib for soap dispenser

What is this

Despite what the model says, I am primarily posting this to inspire others and perhaps offer some of what I learned along the way, so you might be able to design and print your own. That being said, you can also print my model if your setup is similar (with Mama Lemon).

Why this

I wanted something that caught the soap dripping from my sponge and from the dispenser spout. My counter top and the soap bottle were both getting nasty soapy build-up that was annoying to clean. Most designs I found online were to save your countertop only by creating a draining pedestal, but I've been using this bottle for nearly a decade (just topping up with refills). So, with some cross-industry inspiration, I decided a bib of a decent length would probably solve that issue.

In addition, this soap dispenser is positioned right next to my stove top. When cooking and washing would happen at the same time, there was always a high risk (and occasional reality) of soap water (from the person attempting to quickly get more soap on their sponge) being flung into an open pot/pan, hence the collar being added to the bib. Feel free to fling your soapy hands towards soap dispenser and wash those dishes faster!

Finally, I wanted something that was lightweight to avoid toppling the bottle as it emptied out, and something that I didn't feel bad printing, which meant I wanted to use less filament and less print time. All of this inspired me to go with a faux vase mode approach.

How to design

You should consider a few measurements (refer to the third image):

• distance from the bottle face to the sink
  • how far to extend the bib
• thickness of your bottle
  • to grip onto the bottle so the bib doesn't rotate
• diameter of the spout opening, inclusive of threads
  • to slip the bib under the spout nut
• your average user hand approach and/or size of hand
  • how much to extrude/width
• (optional) spout height from bottle top
  • collar height then add buffer

The next part of the design is dependent on the slicer that you are using. I'll use Fusion360 terms as that is where I designed this.

• For Cura and Flashprint
  • both work with just using a parametric design in faux vase mode style. So imagining this design is a flattened vase, you would have your line width (e.g., 0.4) plus a minimal gap (0.05) plus your line width again. For clarification, see this redditor's explanation that I followed: https://www.reddit.com/r/functionalprint/comments/16hdk9w/comment/k0eru7e/ 
  • After you have the outline, extrude the width you want (refer to your users' hand sizes).
• For Bambu
  • complete the Cura and Flashprint approach first
  • you'll then have to trace your design with a single ‘fitted point spline’ (do not use multiple lines)
  • then ‘thin extrude’ (or offset, up to you) the spline with a wall thickness that matches the line width you plan on printing (do remember that a 0.4 nozzle can print .6 if you want)
  • ensure there is enough space between the walls (if too close, the slicer won't see it as two separate sections)
  • ensure that your sharper curves are not pointed, but have enough space for the nozzle to curve around smoothly.
  • [Why this trouble for Bambu Studio? The moment it sees a line/angle/separate face, it tries to lift up and print from a different area, adding more print time. A single connected spline removes this issue. However, if you are ok with the extruder lifting off and retracting unnecessarily, then you don't need to go through this trouble..]
• For all:
  • After extruding the width you want, then in the middle, cut the diameter for the spout opening.

How to print

Remember this is faux vase mode, so you cannot use your slicer's vase mode.

Import the design into your slicer and place on its side (see the fourth image). Then set your slicer to:

• your chosen line width
• no infill
• 1 wall
• no top, no bottom

If your slicer prompts you for supports (Bambu did, Cura/Flashprint didn't), ignore or ask it to auto support with threshold angle at 90 degrees, on build plate only, for critical regions only, and remove small overhangs.

Check the simulation to ensure it is printing in vase mode style (no backtracking, no lifting, etc) for the solid areas (ignoring the spout hole) - see the gif for reference. If it is not printing in a continuous line, check the Bambu bullet points above.