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Open-source 3D Printed Pipe Fittings Reduce Water Waste, New Study Argues
(3dprintingindustry.com)
this post was submitted on 26 Feb 2025
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If these weren't made using the FDM process, they could be quite useful; but as-is the FDM process is weak along the Z axis, and these kinds of fittings aren't going to withstand a lifetime of abuse -- not only that, the kinds of plastics we're printing with aren't really regulated to any kind of degree, so depending on what kind of things are in the water, you could just be pumping large amounts of microplastics into your system by using something like this.
It's a great avenue for research, but we need more robust methods of printing for something like this.
What kind of polymers are you using? While the z-axis issue is certainly a concern, there are adjustments that can be made to a model and/or orientation of it that may mitigate various challenges by usecase, though withstanding "a lifetime of abuse" is unlikely even then. Lastly, if you're concerned about microplastics' volume entering your system, I'm betting you were raised to consider recycling as a consumer-focused solution to <insert any of myriad global issues>, like many of us. 🥲😅
It's not only that, but FDM produces many tiny ridges for any organic matter to latch onto and grow in. It's simply not a reasonable solution for something like this. Sure, Nylon has good interlayer adhesion, but it's also a bitch to print.
Plenty of systems have taken a lifetime of abuse, PEX tubing being used industrially for its amazing longevity and that's what I use in my home as well.
What are you on about now? Was this some attempt at an insult or something I'm too daft to pick up?