3D Printed parts - Working at depth?

[saxman242]

FDM parts are not air tight, even at 100% infill. I'd be less worried about microbubbles and more with interlaminary issues long term when under pressure. If you have the cad model and want a more reliable solution, I'd just send the model off to either be printed on an sla machine or machined out of delrin.

 

[M-Cameron]

from an engineering perspective..i would not even consider using that part.

even with 100% infill, it is essentially filled with imperfections, and the risk of it cracking/ delamination is high, especially considering it is a pressure bearing part (since this is a Full face mask, this is the same as using printed parts in your regulator).

 

[Stoo]

Pardon my ignorance, but why wouldn't you just contact the manufacturer of the mask and buy the proper plug? This seems like an awful lot of work for a part that you aren't even sure will work. It seems like failure of this part could potentially lead to a fairly sporty situation, so why take the chance?

OCEAN REEF Diving | Integrated Diving Mask

 

[Greg Torok]

I'm not familiar with the mask or part, but do lots of 3d printing.

Some parts are used for 60psi+ CO^2 carbonation (using beer kegging fittings to carbonate beverages from used plastic coke bottles and the like). We make carb-o-ritas (carbonated margaritas ;-) and similar.

The quality of the material and the process of printing will have a significant impact on the finished product and it's properties. If this is just a 'plug' and not under pressure, it should be fine. If it is pressure bearing (to seal the area previously containing the communications gear, I personally would not do it.

 

[kelemvor]

I've 3d printed bits of scuba gear, although not a part for my ocean reef mask. I'm sure it will work for a long time. The parts I printed and used were even done in plain 'ol PLA and they held up fine until I didn't need the part anymore.

 

[kelemvor]

Pardon my ignorance, but why wouldn't you just contact the manufacturer of the mask and buy the proper plug? This seems like an awful lot of work for a part that you aren't even sure will work. It seems like failure of this part could potentially lead to a fairly sporty situation, so why take the chance?

OCEAN REEF Diving | Integrated Diving Mask

Ocean reef definitely sells stuff like this part. I've got a small pile of the plastic attachment that connects the comms to the mask because that part breaks frequently. I was never able to find parts online, but i got them from my LDS that sold me the mask. Ocean reef isn't particularly snappy with shipping speed, but eventually you can get your stuff.

 

[The Chairman]

Just need to make sure the printed surface is very flat

Polish it anyway. PS, I moved it to the correct forum.

 

[The Chairman]

Pardon my ignorance, but why wouldn't you just contact the manufacturer of the mask and buy the proper plug?

Time and convenience. There is a small cost savings once you own your printer, but mostly time and convenience. I often print stuff quicker than I can ever get it from an LDS and I get to print it to my specs. www.Thingiverse.com is your friend.

 

[kelemvor]

Time and convenience. There is a small cost savings once you own your printer, but mostly time and convenience. I often print stuff quicker than I can ever get it from an LDS and I get to print it to my specs.

Plus.. there's something to be said for just making things yourself. I'm not sure I can put it into words, but it definitely feels good.

 

[The Chairman]

Plus.. there's something to be said for just making things yourself.

And it doesn't have to be black!