PET Drip Irrigation Set (4 Versions)

thingiverse

I've been dealing with some pretty intense summers lately, and my vegetable plants have been suffering from lack of water. Every evening they look like they haven't seen a drop in days. To avoid this issue next time, I've come up with a solution - creating PET-bottle adapters to make drip irrigation systems for individual plants. While working on the design, I came up with 10 different versions over the past few weeks. Now, I have four final models that I'm confident will get the job done. Here are the details: Version 1: * Requires a hose * Print the PET adapter upside down to avoid supports * Print the valve case on the side for added strength Version 2: * Still needs a hose * Supports are necessary for the PET adapter * Print the valve case on the side, which increases its strength Version 3: * No hose is needed, but it can be used (note: the picture shows an outdated nozzle, now replaced with a hose adapter) * Supports are required for the PET adapter * The valve screw can be printed upside down without supports, or sideways with clean supports for added strength * A sealing ring is necessary for the valve screw Version 4: * No hose is needed, but it works best with one and a drip nozzle * Supports are required for the PET adapter * The valve screw can be printed upside down without supports, or sideways with clean supports for added strength * A sealing ring is necessary for the valve screw General Assembly: I'm currently using 1L cola bottles (they're durable) - other PET bottles should work too. All PET adapters are designed to be sealed either with a good sealing ring, water-resistant glue (like epoxy or silicone), or a combination of both. All hose adapters are designed for hoses with 6mm inner diameters and work best with drip nozzles. Print them upside down to avoid supports. To secure the hose near the plant, I created short and long earth clip pins, as well as a clip fixation that can be screwed into wood. I prefer using the longer earth clip pins. I've tested various sealing methods and models over the past few weeks, but my top choice is Version 1 - it's easy to print, uses minimal material, and has an "inner tower" within the bottle neck for effortless gluing. I printed all models in PLA with 80% infill for added durability. I also printed the valves of V1 & V2 at 100% infill. I haven't tried ABS yet - to be honest, it's a material I've never worked with before. Credits: Thanks to "DmeTrue" for providing the valve used in V3 & V4. I learned how to create threads during this project. The drip nozzle from "MrGemeco" is excellent at preventing dirt and insects within the hose - thank you! And of course, I'm grateful for the PET cap made by "sirmiro", which inspired this entire project. Enjoy using these models, and if you like them, please share a make! If other hose diameters are needed, leave a comment - I'll try to create them later.