An update to my Greenhouse Clips: A new angle

As you may, know I have previously made greenhouse clips for my dad's birthday. The Clips came out as a success and I have since made multiple of them. However, PLA on it's own is prone to taking on water and getting damaged by long-term UV usage. This is why I have chosen to change to PETG. 

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The filament:

This change in filament means that in the long term these clips will not be effective against the elements. This should put up with the abuse of the elements as well as have a bit more flex overall. This will help it to fit other greenhouses, not just our own

Having printed my clip with the new material, the differences are a world apart. The PETG is easier to pull off the supports and adheres well to the base. 

With this said, My second print with the PETG did not stick to the base well. Noting this, I increased the base plate temperature in order to slow the cooling of the material. Having applied this I have found that the fix has worked well. 

I have noticed an initial smell with the filament. However, I have since learned it was part of the packaging and not part of the PETG filament.

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A new angle:

Having printed a base piece in PETG I then put it to the test by looking some sting around the base to hold a fly trap. (This was a half print to test the tolerances.) Unfortunately the tension was too much and the base broke. 

After looking at what my print that had now become two pieces, I have realized that printing it sideways would be stronger. This is because instead of the force pulling on the plastic that was melted together it was pulling on the raw material.  

 

How the forces act:

               Weak:                                                                       Strong: 

 (Image from: https://markforged.com/resources/learn/design-for-additive-manufacturing-plastics-composites/understanding-3d-printing-strength/3d-printing-settings-impacting-part-strength)

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Test out my clips for free!

Since it is now printing without problems, I am ready to take my clips to the next stage of development. I am now offering a couple of free PETG greenhouse clips for greenhouse owners in Napier to test out. If you are interested, please send an email to nz3dprintsolutions@gmail.com. Clips are limited so be sure to act quick!