3D Printed Check Valve

Here is how I made a 3D printed check valve using Fusion360! A check valve (or a one-way valve) only allows fluids to flow in one direction. Check valves are used a lot in plumbing to prevent back flow of waste products.

Currently, I attend UNC Chapel Hill as a computer science student!

1. PLA
2. Metal rod
3. 3D printed ball or metal ball
4. O-ring
5. Super glue
6. Drill
7. 3D printer

I referenced these websites when coming up with my 3D print design.

References:

• Lung Air Pump
• Breathing Tube
• CPR Mask
• Pocket Resuscitator

The linked video is what I ultimately based my design off of.

First, I created a sphere that would be supported by a pipe. These two components would be nested in a tube. Once the print was complete, I would remove the support from the tube and ball. I also included holes for a metal rod to slide through. The metal rod would keep the ball within the tube. Finally, I created caps for the tube.

I included the Fusion file and .stl file for my first design.

After going through a few test prints of my first design, I noticed a few issues.

1. My cap did not fit tightly onto my main tube.
2. My predesigned holes in the main tube were not being printed properly.
3. My tubes were collapsing on themselves. One sphere also did this.

For my second design, I scaled the tube down, so that it would not have to support as much overhang weight. I also made the walls of the tube and cap thicker and removed the predesigned hole. I decided it would be better to drill the hole after the print was finished so that the layers would not be uneven. If I were to use a bigger hole, I could probably still implement a hole in my design geometry.

I included the Fusion file and .stl file of my second design as well.

Once I had my check valve designed, I saved it as an STL. Then, I opened my STL in CURA. After, I turned on the LulzBot printer and connect it to the computer. I clicked on my objects and made sure they were orientated correctly. Finally, I changed the infills, adhesions, and set nozzle to 210 and the bed temperature to 60. I prepared the bed by wiping off excess material with alcohol. I removed the excess material from the nozzle as well by extruding.

I included a photo of my settings above!

Now, I was ready to print my design. I had lots of failed attempts when going about this step, but I included photos of my successful print in red PLA.

I also included photos of some of my failures in orange PLA.

Once everything was printed, I assembled my check valve. I also drilled holes in the side of the 3D printed tube, glued in a metal rod, and placed the ball inside. I also found that the addition of a rubber O-ring would help the seal of the check valve a lot! The video in the introduction demonstrates my project!