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Hi:

I am designing a waterproof case that will protect a small video camera. My current design is to print the case in two halves, insert the camera and then bolt the two halves together. Alternatively, I could glue the two halves together. Either way, the case has to be waterproof once it is closed.

Question: Where can I find examples of how to detail the edges of these box halves, so that when I put them together, they will be watertight?

Question: If I decide to go for a glue option, what are the best kinds of glue to use? What can weld two 3D printed objects together into a waterproof seal?

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For most plastics normal superglue is just fine, you can use acetone for ABS additionally, which should leave you with an even stronger seal (acetone works only with ABS). Nylon and Polyesters are difficult to glue, while superglue works somewhat for Polyesters you won’t find a really satisfying solution for Nylon or flexible filaments. Use an adhesive primer when glueing Polyesters with superglue, but watch out, the glue dries within 3-4 sec to complete hardness. I would use the bolt method with locking nuts (those with a gripping rubber part inside), also use a flexible sealing ring around the contact area of both halves to accommodate for any uneven parts of the joining layers. Print with thick shells and as solid as possible, maybe increase the flow rate a bit. The only time I’d use glue is when I’d like to have a permanent case and in this case ( lol) I’d use ABS and acetone as printing material and “glue*” *solvent welding would be the right term, or at least more correct then glue.

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I would use ABS and acetone. Not only to glue it but also to waterproof the whole object by coating it in acetone.

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Thanks! This helps a lot!

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Thanks for your help!

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Hey Allen,

FDM 3D printed parts aren’t always water-tight. In fact, I’d always go for ABS and have it vapour smoothed. That should give you the best chance of having a water-tight case. How are you planning to seal the window? Quite possibly the best option is to go for an SLA print in clear resin, although it’s not always a very robust material.

Hope this helps you make your decision and that your printed case meets your needs.

Cheers,

AndyL

Pot8oSH3D

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Add a rubber o-ring in between the two halves to make it watertight. Bolts will add stress points and if they go through the case you’ll get leakage. O-rings are used by all the underwater camera housing manufacturers. Have a look at the pictures of those for some inspiration.

Canon makes their own housings. Some other major manufacturers are Sea&Sea, Ikelite and Hugyfot.