2x3 Vinyl Downspout Elbows

thingiverse

**************************************************** UPDATES *************************************************** Edit 1: Vertical elbows have been added to the set. Edit 2: Several edges were found to be too thin due to a focus on keeping wall thickness small. Those parts were redesigned for better edge connection and additional strength in weaker areas. Edit 3: It appears PLA does not drill well or hold screws properly, splitting along layers instead. This may not happen with ABS. Printing at 15% infill as prototypes, maybe they will be strong enough at 100%. Holes are being added to the design to help with screw fastening. If drilling PLA without holes is necessary, use a larger hole so the screw fits inside and does not force it apart. Edit 4: Clips for attaching downspouts to walls have been added, in 20mm and 12mm sizes, which can be connected using zip ties, string or wire if needed. Printed at 100% infill because they must flex around downspouts. Edit 5: Some users are building hydroponic systems by cutting holes in down spouts to hold pots, then adding end caps for water level control. An end cap designed for attachment to my 2x3 vinyl downspouts has been created, which may need to be sealed with silicon sealant around the joint. Edit 6: A new endcap has been uploaded with a standard hose adapter thread, allowing quick connect adapters or hoses to be attached. Edit 7: A new version of the endcap with a threaded cap for plugging holes has been uploaded. It fits better with downspout extrusions than previous versions. The cap plug is the standard hose thread and should fit either endcap. Edit 8: An endcap designed to take a washer for sealing has been uploaded, along with three new plugs - two redesigned outer plugs and one inner plug that tightens against a hose washer inside the endcap opening. Edit 9: A newer version of the design has been created which includes side scallops from my downspouts. This version has fewer parts but a tighter fit than previous versions. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3956878 ******************************************************************************************* SUMMARY ******************************************************************************************* I decided to try designing and printing replacement elbows for vinyl downspouts, as purchasing the parts is expensive and 3D printed parts are about 20% cheaper. I printed these in PLA (to be tested over winter) but they should probably be printed in ABS. I have a 30 and 45 degree model printed, along with a 180 degree joiner. The 90 degree elbow is too large for my MPMD so I will have to use two - 45's instead. A small screw through the parts and vinyl downspout may be necessary if the pieces are not well supported, in order to prevent them from pulling apart. They were designed to require no supports while printing, using a layer thickness of 0.28 and 15% infill. It is recommended to rotate the object so you are printing with the large end down for stability.