Flex Hose (Revisited)

thingiverse

I really enjoyed the Flexible Hose by Sal (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:43272). It's a simple and easy-to-print design that works great with PLA, but I found it challenging to remix the ball and socket connectors because they require hollow printing. To make it easier for others, I've replicated the Flexi-Hose ball and socket connectors as separate STL files so you can merge them with other adapters later. Since I modeled everything as hollow from the start, no special print settings are required. The connectors remain compatible with the original Flexible hose. In addition to the ball and socket connectors, I've included models for a nozzle and a 40mm fan adapter, along with the normal tubing joint. Print Settings Notes: Like the original Flexible hose piece, you don't have to print these models with 0% infill or specific perimeter settings anymore. Just print them as you would any small object. Post-Printing The connectors can be tight, so handle them carefully when inserting the ball into the socket. To ensure a successful assembly: Clean and smooth both the ball and the socket before use Coax the ball into the socket until it pops into place smoothly Warm the socket slightly before inserting How I Designed This I used TinkerCAD to build these from scratch. The designs are public, so you can edit them yourself by searching for 'Flex Tube'.