There are many reasons you may want to make a waterproof print.
3D printing can be a helpful and fun tool in almost any tool.
For example, you may want to make a drinks holder that can handle the occasional spill.
Many applications involve long-term submersion in water.
Its important to note that waterproofing isnt the same as watertight.
For example, a part that spends its life span underwater will need to be resistant to water.
Still, it doesnt necessarily matter if water seeps into it.
If youre printing a water bottle, however, this needs to be both waterproof and watertight.
If you want a print to be around water, making it waterproof is a good idea.
Once theyve been printed, though, this changes a lot.
Most printed materials can at least survive occasional splashes of water.
The most popular printing materials PLA, ABS, and PETG, can all handle water in some regard.
PETG is the primary material used for water bottles as it is waterproof.
It is also fairly temperature resistant, being able to handle water up to 80C.
Post-processing smoothing such as acetone smoothing of ABS.
Smoothing is helpful as it eliminates or fills in layer lines, reducing the weak points in the print.
Conclusion
Have you got any other tips for waterproofing prints?
Let us know down below.
