More and more people are starting to use 3D printed plastic parts as practical components across various industries. However, some may question whether this is always a wise choice. After all, 3D printed parts are made layer by layer, which can sometimes make them less durable compared to injection molded parts. This makes many hesitate before using them in critical applications. Imagine putting these parts under extreme pressure—what would happen? It's hard to say for sure without testing.
To find out, researchers and 3D printing enthusiast Martin Baumers and his team launched the Deep-Z project. This was a private, non-academic initiative aimed at exploring whether 3D printing could be used to create low-cost equipment for deep-sea exploration. In May 2015, they tested their idea by sending a 3D printed submarine into the depths of Lake Iseo in northern Italy. The sub, powered by Lego divers, was designed to withstand the intense pressure of deep water.
The test was a success. The 3D printed device reached a depth of 200 meters without any issues, showing that 3D printed parts can handle high-pressure environments. This opens up new possibilities for using 3D printed components in underwater applications.
Baumers started the project with a waterproof case for a GoPro camera, which was used to record the journey of the Lego-powered submarine. He attached the sub to a metal line and added a pressure-resistant LED light on top for better visibility. “We didn’t use any desiccant in the camera,†he explained. “The GoPro already had a waterproof casing, and we believed that any failure at 200 meters would destroy the camera anyway.†To keep the Lego diver secure, they used epoxy to fix him in place.
The small submarine and its camera housing were made from nylon using SLS (selective laser sintering) 3D printing technology. “This is a very strong material that can be used in demanding situations,†Baumers noted. All the STL files for the parts are available for free on the project’s website.
Although the results were promising, Baumers believes more tests are needed before drawing final conclusions. For example, how would the same setup perform in saltwater? Despite this, the project has proven that 3D printing can be reliable in extreme conditions. It’s possible that 3D printed underwater drones may soon become a reality.
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