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Are 3D-printed objects waterproof? (lemmy.sdf.org)
submitted 2 years ago by to c/3dprinting@lemmy.world
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I have a piece of test equipment that needs to stay underwater for days. Normally I would use or make a waterproof case with a lid and a gasket.

Instead, I'm wondering if I could print a box, pause the print just before the top face, put the device inside and then print the top face over it. No openings, no nothing, and the device works by induction so it doesn't need to physically connect to anything.

But this would only work if 3D-printed PLA walls are really waterproof. After all, 3D-printed features are kind of a bunch of wires more or less loosely attached to each other, so I wouldn't be surprised if water could leak through under pressure.

Before I spend any time assessing this myself, has anybody tried printing waterproof enclosures?

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[–] 8 points 2 years ago (2 children)

I myself have made a couple of very simple watertight (non essential) prints for scubadiving. They are holding up really well!

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  • [–] [S] 4 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    Thanks! Well, I was kind of hoping to throw something on the printer and have a working system without too much work. But it looks like achieving proper dependable watertightness might be a whole side project of its own.

    I think I'll just order the proper ready-made ABS case and wait until it arrives, most likely.

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  • [–] 3 points 2 years ago

    But it looks like achieving proper dependable watertightness might be a whole side project of its own.

    This is the case, especially if you want watertight prints right off the printer. Post processing (eg coating, smoothing, etc) are another approach. Post processing also seems like it would be more consistent print to print.

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