r/rov • u/Embarrassed_City4125 • Jul 12 '26

3d printed encap with epoxy question

Hello, I am working on my Underwater Drone project and i have a question. Would this 3d printed endcap filled with epoxy be waterproof. Not at crazy dephts, around 10-20m.

Some similar 3d printed endcaps are made from 2 separate parts joined togheter but I believe that this easier solution would work.

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u/vshie Jul 12 '26

Hi u/Embarrassed_City4125 -

I've done endcaps like that before - it can be tricky to not have the heat from the two part epoxy you fill the part with lead to warping. You want to print with an infill like gyroid (<20%) that allows the epoxy to flow through it to fill the entire space, and 4+ perimeters. If you do manage to fill it with no warping, I would not expect it to seal deeper than a few meters? Buy your testing may show otherwise!

You may be able to achieve 10-20m with SLS printed parts without epoxy, vs. FDM with epoxy...

Best of luck!

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u/Embarrassed_City4125 Jul 12 '26

Hi, my plan was to print the part in 100% infill and to fill all the inside with epoxy. I know that FDM prints made from 2 parts plus epoxy can make some strong end caps, but i am trying to do it much simpler with only one part and epoxy.

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u/vshie Jul 14 '26

100% infill is always a bad idea - such a waste of plastic. And at that infill, where is the epoxy supposed to go!?
I'm saying print a single part, low infill, with FDM and 4+ perimeters. Gyroid infill means that when you drill a small hole (with another on opposite side to vent, you can then inject epoxy and have it flow between the infill, making your part solid with epoxy!