Flanged Connector

thingiverse

Back in the day, my daughter and I tried building structures with drinking straws. The traditional method was difficult and frustrating due to the use of paperclips. Desiring a better solution, I envisioned tiny connectors that could easily fit into straw ends. My interest in ZomeTool diverted this idea until recently when I rediscovered my purchased bundle of 1000 straws. Armed with OpenScad skills and a 3D printer, I've created the desired connector. Not only does it serve its intended purpose, but these hollow connectors can also be used for liquid flow between tubes, similar to barbed connectors in drip irrigation systems. These cost-effective connectors (approximately $0.05 each) provide savings compared to store-bought alternatives ($5). To create structures, consider accounting for angular defects or using existing designs from Thingiverse. The provided .stl files are compatible with 6.25mm inner diameter drinking straws, but you can modify the OD value to suit other tubing. Adding a dab of glue ensures a tight fit. Incorporating el-wire within the tubes offers an attractive display option. The OpenScad file is included for customization, allowing you to specify angles for elbows and quantities for other connectors. An updated blog entry can be found here: http://williamaadams.wordpress.com/2011/09/05/useful-household-items-drip-irrigation-connectors/.