T-Connector Pipe

I designed a custom T-Connector in Fusion 360 because I needed to connect two water tubes and simultaneously read the water pressure, but I didn’t have a pipe that could do both. The T-Connector I created features two in-line ports for the water tubes and a perpendicular outlet designed to house a pressure sensor or gauge. This custom part not only simplified the plumbing setup but also allowed for accurate, real-time monitoring of pressure, which was something critical for a larger application I was working on.

1. Hatchbox White PLA Filament - Used for printing the T-Connector body as it is durable, easy-to-print PLA (white for visibility and finish).
2. Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer (or Ender 3) - Used to print the custom T-Connector (precise enough for the watertight fit and smooth pipe threading).
3. Pressure Sensor Transducer (1/8" NPT) - Inserted into the top port of the T-Connector to monitor water pressure in real time.
4. PTFE Plumber’s Tape - Used to wrap around threaded joints to prevents leaks around the pressure sensor and tube connections.
5. Flexible Water Tubing (Compatible Diameter) - Connects to the side ports of the T-Connector.

Step 1:

1. Open Fusion 360 and create a T-shaped design with:
2. Two opposite horizontal ports (for the water tubing).
3. One vertical port (for the pressure sensor).
4. Inner diameters matching your tube and sensor specs (such as 1/4" or 3/8").
5. Threaded vertical port (designed as NPT 1/8" or leave unthreaded if sealing manually).
6. Make sure all the dimensions allow tight, leak-proof fits.
7. Export as .STL.

Step 2:

1. Open your slicing software (I use Cura).
2. Load the .STL file.
3. Slice with the following recommended settings:
4. Material: White PLA
5. Layer height: 0.2 mm
6. Infill: 100% for max strength and pressure resistance
7. Supports: Enabled (especially for the water connection points)
8. Print using any 3D printer.

Step 4:

1. Wrap PTFE plumber’s tape around the sensor threads (clockwise direction).
2. Insert and tighten the pressure sensor into the vertical port.
3. Push your water tubing into the horizontal ports.

Step 4:

1. Once sealed and tested, use the setup in your system for monitoring water pressure in real-time.