Contoured Spigot for 5-gallon buckets: Difference between revisions

Contoured Spigot for 5-gallon buckets

Project developed by Twfuller

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Abstract

1. Spigots manufactured for self-attachment typically rely on large gaskets to maintain a seal, which works with varying success on the curved surface of a bucket. By modeling a bucket with just its top and bottom diameters and its average thickness, it's easy to design a spigot with contours that fit well. This design is expected to fit a wide range of bucket sizes effectively. The main attachment is reasonably easy to print, and typical modification requires changing only 4 parameters in two files.
2. Picture of completed print using

   File:Name-of-your-image.png

Bill of Materials

1. Appropriate feedstock for printer - be aware that some plastics like PLA absorb water readily
2. Will likely require a gasket of some sort between outer section and bucket - 3.5cm gasket or flat rubber cut to size will probably be sufficient
3. Upload and link to all STLs

Tools needed for fabrication

1. MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer
2. Tools necessary to make 3.5cm hole in bucket

Skills and Knowledge Necessary

• Need to know top and bottom outer diameters of bucket, average thickness of bucket, and desired height of spigot - scripts will do the rest, assuming no other changes to geometry
• Useful site for bucket dimensions: http://fivegallonideas.com/5-gallon-bucket-dimensions/ ^[1]

Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions

• Like many interlocking parts, especially those with threads, this is sensitive to print quality - use 100% fill, a reasonable layer thickness, and printing speed
• Expect total print times for the whole assembly between 3-5 hours - obviously dependent upon print parameters*# Assembly time is negligible, expect drilling the bucket to take longer
• Including drawings or pictures of the device at stage of assembly at minimum. (http://www.appropedia.org/Special:Upload)
• Be sure to orient prints for slicing in a sane manner - flat ends down, etc.

Common Problems and Solutions

• None of note, other than the previously mentioned sensitivity to print quality and likely need for a gasket

Cost savings

• Typical mass-produced spigots for buckets retail for ~$2-5, though none seem to account for bucket contour and few are designed quite as heavy duty, and the cost of feedstock is furthermore quite low

References

• The sources of information (e.g. engineering handbooks, journal articles, government documents, webpages, books, magazine articles etc.). References should use the <ref> </ref> and <references/> tags and can be in any format but should include all the information necessary for someone else to find the same information you did. For example: ^[2]

Based on the developmental needs addressed (e.g. food, heat, electricity, clean water, health care, etc.) be sure to label your device in the proper categories e.g. use [[Category:Water]]. Be sure to categorize your device so that it will be easy to find – for example “Low voltage connection basics” is categorized in [[Category:Water use]].