Jun.7, 2013
Alex English of Proto Paradigm, maker and 3D printing enthusiast provided some free designs of 3D printable garden accessories back in September 2012.
But could these 3D Printed parts handle weather and exposure? For answering the question Alex decided to test the popular model 3D printed slug trap at the start of the growing season of slugs.
The slug trap designed by Alex is easy to use: fill the reservoir about 1/2 - 2/3 full with beer, put the lid on and place in the garden. Slugs are attracted to beer, so after a rain you can just check the trap, most likely some greedy slugs are caught there.
The trap was printed in PLA. Throughout the season, the trap was set on the ground full of cheap beer. After sitting out for more than a year, the color has faded. Dirt has settled into some of the grooves between layers, making them more pronounced especially on the sloped roof. The base has a better condition with less cracks because the vertical walls give the perimeters more overlap. This print was done as a very quick print with a single perimeter, explains Alex.
(Images credit: Alex English)
But the bottom is still tight and in good condition. "Structurally, the trap seems to be about as tough as it was before. The part is still rigid and strong. The vertical walls and flat bottom of the inside are still water-tight." write Alex.
For makers who want to use this 3D printed part outdoor, Alex suggests to "make sure to print multiple overlapping perimeters and make sure you're getting good bonding between traces to keep dirt and moisture at bay." And be aware that PLA won't do as well in closed areas that get particularly hot.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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how does it catch slugs
jd90 wrote at 6/7/2013 3:43:53 PM:
That's pretty neat.
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