June 11, 2022
Description
Running low on my first spool of filament, I wanted to create a watering bulb that would do the job with very little plastic, and print quickly enough for a small garden. Ideally, a vase mode print. I designed this watering bulb to be watertight when printed with vase mode, so I tried to stay away from steep curves. This is why this bulb has a distinct low-poly, keeping the layers not too steep.
I designed this in 3DS Max because I know it more than any other software.
Printer Brand:
Wanhao
Printer:
Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus
Rafts:
No
Supports:
No
Resolution:
0.15 to 0.3 for 0.4mm nozzles
Infill:
n/a (vase mode)
Notes:
Print in vase mode. I would recommend lower resolutions for increased watertight-ness. 0.2 to 0.15 in my own prints resulting in a totally sealed container.rnrnI printed mine in PLA but any rigid plastic will do.
Make sure the print is air-tight.
Post print, blow into your completed bulb to check for escaping air. If even a little bit can escape, seal it up with something. Something like spray paint will do just fine. It's important that the print won't leak air. If air can come in, then air will be able to displace the water much faster, which will result in the water leaking out much faster than the intention of the bulb.
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial
Benjamin Faure
