Researchers from Canada’s Western University have developed a new open-source approach for 3D printing water pipe fittings.
According to the London, Ontario-based team, around 126 billion cubic meters of water are lost globally each year, mainly due to leakage and broken pipes. The researchers believe using a parametric-driven method for local, on-demand 3D printing of customized fittings will unlock more efficient water management.
Their “easy-connect” design offers compatibility with various dimensions and materials used in most pipes on the market. During testing, the couplings withstood up to 4.551 MPa, eight times the standard residential water pressure. They were also found to be 3 to 17 times cheaper than their commercial counterparts, reportedly offering an affordable and sustainable solution to manage water repairs.
