Comment on Open-source 3D Printed Pipe Fittings Reduce Water Waste, New Study Argues
kitnaht@lemmy.world 5 days ago
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.
otter@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 days ago
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. 🥲😅