Long and short of it. My bathtub’s spring stopper has deteriorated. Building manager solution was to use a rubber stopper. I looked for a replacement part, couldn’t find one outside of an outright replacement. So I modelled and printed this one in TPU.
It works!
EDIT: 2h30m later, the I’ve lost ~20mm of water in the replacements tub. Probably should increase the width of the Part to get a better seal. Nothing I can do about it tonight
EDIT: 12h later, the tub was pretty much empty. Trying again with a wider plug since I think the fit wasn’t tight enough before. As for those who think a regular stopper would be better, you are right. But for the $0.16 of material and a learning opportunity for TPU I don’t see it as a waste of time
Increasing the width likely won’t help a ton. Your layer lines are the issue. Unfortunately, TPU can be a bitch to finish.
I’d put a layer of something over it to smooth out the surface. Flex seal would probably work, or maybe some firm silicone epoxy.
That’s really cool man. Now, the real test will be if it lasts longer/shorter than the original :)
The original is dead. But I do have another tub with another stopper in it (my apt is so luxurious), both tubs are now filled. I will be able to tell if they drained by the morning… hopefully.
The plug already lasted an hour so it’s a win by my books already.
I think OP meant does the ring disintegrate and plug your pipes after a of months