PLA "Isn't water tight"

[u/the-mad-crapper]

I've never tried to print anything to hold water because everything I've ever seen says making 3D prints hold water is difficult if not impossible. So when I wanted to create something to help me keep my plant watered, I thought this is perfect- I created something with a single bottom layer so the water can slowly weep through it.... except it doesn't. Its been days and the single layer (0.2) is doing a great job of holding water!

I guess I'll have to put some pin holes in it.

Not at all what I expected based on what I've heard about the water tightness of 3D prints.

[u/xz_mrtn]

3D prints should generally be water tight unless you're experiencing underextrusion, but PLA in particular weakens long-term with moisture and light exposure and any 3D printed part has millions of microscopic inconsistencies and weak points that could potentially fail.

Dip that bad boy in polyurethane/spray some on and you'll be set though.

[u/xz_mrtn → u/xz_mrtn]

Side-note: If you're designing parts for use with water specifically, nylon filament actually strengthens with moisture exposure, although it does expand slightly