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Twfuller spigot 3.jpg
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Project data
Authors Twfuller
Completed 2014
Made Yes
Replicated No
OKH Manifest Download

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.

Bill of Materials

  1. OpenSCAD & the files located at http://libre3d.com/category/655/Plumbing/listings/800/Parametric-Contoured-Spigot-for-5-gallon-buckets.html[1]
  2. Appropriate feedstock for printer - be aware that some plastics like PLA absorb water readily
  3. 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

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/[2]

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
  • Be sure to orient prints for slicing in a sane manner - flat ends down, etc.

Gallery

Common Problems and Solutions

  • Previously mentioned sensitivity to print quality and likely need for a gasket
  • Stopcock is prone to ill fit, may be replaced with screw-based design in future

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

FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Page data
Keywords 3d printing, bucket, faucet, nozzle, osat, spigot, tap, plastic
SDG SDG06 Clean water and sanitation
Authors Twfuller
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Organizations MTU, Michigan_Tech's_Open_Sustainability_Technology_Lab
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 5 pages link here
Impact 348 page views
Created November 20, 2014 by Twfuller
Modified January 29, 2024 by Felipe Schenone
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