This is a collection of OpenSCAD modules that allow you to easily design and 3D print adapters for pipes and tubes of various sizes. The main utilization of these adapters is to connect a vacuum hose to a variety of different tools and devices, such as power tools, sanders, and dust collectors.
This highly parametric module lets you create create custom adapters that perfectly fit the dimensions of your vacuum hose and the tool or device you want to connect it to. Besides fitting the dimensions, it is also possible to design the adapters with a tapered shape that ensures a secure and snug fit, preventing any air leaks that might reduce the suction power of your vacuum.
Three different types of connections are possible to maximize the number of applications possible.
Intended for connection between two hoses or a hose and a tool exhaust.
- Diameter: Internal or external diameter of the intended connector.
- Length: The length of the connection end.
- Taper: the hose connection can be tapered to allow for a tighter fit.
Intended for connection to a tool. To achieve this the transition section is set to flat, the transition length becomes the thickness. The flat area will be from connector1Diameter to connector2Diameter.
- TransitionStyle: flat
- TransitionLength: Thickness of the flat area.
Intended for creating a quick removable connection that holds in place using magnets. Perfect for quick connect/disconnect to large shop equipment.
The magnets should be slightly recessed so that the two faces get a good seal, allow extra depth if you want to avoid supports. Usually 8 10mm x 1.5mm magnets seem sufficient to hold a 50mm connector for a shopvac.
If you plan on connecting two magnetic flanges together, pay attention to the polarities of your magnets. A good way to ensure connection would be to alternate the polarity when gluing the magnets. That way it will always be possible to connect any magnetic flange to an other one.
An alignment ring can be added to help align the duct and reduce air leakage. Ideally, the flange should be created with a small recess to accept the ring. The most optimal solution would be to print the ring in flexible material (TPU).
Although, this does not appear to be required to have a good suction.
Changing any of the settings (diameter, magnet size, alignment ring...)
will change the magnet position and flange size.
A good practice would be to save the configuration of the hose in JSON using the
save preset option in OpenSCAD. See the OpenSCAD
documentation for more information.
- Flange diameter: Internal diameter of the flange connection.
- Flange thickness: The overall thickness of the flange. Magnet thickness plus 4mm seem to work well.
- Connector length: The length of the connector before the tapered section will start.
- Magnet count: Number of magnets to be added to the flange.
- Magnet diameter: Diameter of the magnets (add 0.5 to measurement).
- Magnet border: The amount material around the magnet.
- Magnet thickness: Thickness of the magnets (add 0.5 to measurement, 1.0 to avoid supports).
- lip: If an alignment ring should be supported, can be recessed or protruding, suggest recessed.
The file vacuum-hose-adapter-samples.scad, has a few sample configurations to highlight the intended usages.
An adapter to connect a 50mm (internal diameter) hose to a 30mm (internal
diameter) hose. A stop is added to the larger 50mm side, so the adapter does not
get pulled in to the hose. Both ends have a small taper to ensure snug fit.
An adapter to connect a 50mm (internal diameter) hose to a 100mm (internal
diameter) hose. A stop is added to the larger 100mm side, so the adapter does
not get pulled in to the hose. Both ends have a small taper to ensure snug
fit.
An adapter to connect a 50mm (internal diameter) host to the side of a something
else such as a large tool or machine. The end has a small taper.
A 50mm magnetic adapter to a 40mm hose. The magnetic flange has space for 8 10mm
x 2mm magnets (magnet holes are 10.5mm x 2.5mm). There is a recessed ring for an
alignment ring. The 40mm end has a 2mm taper.
A 50mm magnetic adapter to a 100mm hose. The magnetic flange has space for 8
10mm x 2mm magnets (magnet holes are 10.5mm x 2.5mm). There is a recessed ring
for an alignment ring. The 100mm end has a 2mm taper.
A 50mm magnetic adapter to flat plate with 30mm connector. The magnetic flange
has space for 8 10 mm x 2mm magnets (magnet holes are 10.5mm x 2.5mm). This can
be used to for connecting to a tool that would have a hole the size of the
connector.
A 50mm magnetic adapter to flat plate. The magnetic flange has space for 8 10mm
x 2mm magnets (magnet holes are 10.5mm x 2.5mm). This can be used as an
attachment point on the side of tool box.
A alignment ring that fits in the recess on 50mm magnetic adapter. Ideally this
would be printed in a soft plastic like TPU so it can act as a seal. The ring is
slightly smaller in width and height to allow for imperfections in the print. I
found its not really needed.
A 100mm magnetic adapter to a 50mm hose. The magnetic flange has space for 12
10mm x 2mm magnets (magnet holes are 10.5mm x 2.5mm). There is a recessed ring
for an alignment ring. The 50mm end has a 2mm taper and a hose stop.
A 100mm magnetic adapter to a 100mm hose adapter. The magnetic flange has space
for 12 10mm x 2mm magnets (magnet holes are 10.5mm x 2.5mm). There is a recessed
ring for an alignment ring. The 100mm end has a 2mm taper and a hose stop.
A alignment ring that fits in the recess on 100mm magnetic adapter. Ideally this
would be printed in a soft plastic like TPU so it can act as a seal. The ring is
slightly smaller in width and height to allow for imperfections in the print. I
found its not really needed.
A 50mm magnetic connector to a 100mm magnetic flange. Allowing connection
between different sized magnetic connectors.
