Description
This model was created to be used in a pond filter to help keep swimming ponds free of algae. It is an alternative traditional filtration media. The advantages of this model are that thanks to 3D printing we can achieve a much larger surface area per volume of the media and at a lower price for the same result.
It is not used to sift particles from the water but instead to create as large of a surface as possible on which microorganisms that keep the water clean live, to create a so-called biofilm (self-sustaining layer of microorganisms aggregated in an extracellular matrix on surfaces exposed to liquids and protected from being killed by most types of antimicrobial agents).
We’ve done some calculations and when printed with a 10% gyroid infill at 0.2 mm layer height it has a surface area of 6500 m2/m3 compared to only 300-800 m2/m3 of media made with conventional manufacturing methods which costs about. So in theory, printing one bag of these flowers is like buying 10 bags of traditional filer media balls.
After printing place the separated flowers in a net bag into a chamber of your filter system.
The download contains the model ready to be 3D printed on a 200 mm print bed in the form of a tower of 7 flowers and also a single flower version that you don’t have to snap apart to use.
SIZE
At 100% scale, the model’s dimensions are approximately:
Width 60 mm
Length 60 mm
Height 183 mm (26 mm single flower)
You can scale the model as you wish.
3D PRINTING SETTINGS
We printed from PLA at 0.2 mm on fast setting in Prusaslicer with 10% gyroid infill with bottom and top layers set to 0.
With these settings, the flower tower was very easy to break apart into individual flowers. When we printed at 0.35 mm layer height with a different PLA filament for some reason it was harder but still possible. So just make a test g-code to see if the settings are right for you before printing more of them.
Having no bottom or top layers is important because otherwise, water wouldn’t be able to flow to all the surfaces of the print.
You can use whatever infill or print settings you like but keep in mind that water should be able to flow through the individual flowers quite easily and the denser the infill is, the greater the surface area.
Printing settings will vary greatly depending on your specific printer.
This model was brought to life by Filip from our 3Demon team.
Do you like the model and don’t have a 3D printer? There are lots of people who offer 3D printing services these days. Try searching for someone who offers them in your area.
We are a group of modeling and 3D printing enthusiasts based in Prague, Czech Republic.
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