Has anybody dl'd this file and printed their own? How similar is the VCA to this?
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1784377
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1784377
3d Printed Random Flow Nozzle
- Thread starter joeyprice
- Start date
Interesting. Considering he's saying VCA ripped him off, I would believe this nozzle will work perfectly. Just print it and find out for yourself. I think I will be doing a couple too - thanks for finding this post.
Printed the file called "OriginalVortexGenerator". I thought it was strange that the cylinder was placed on it's side. I rotated it in Cura to print standing up which makes way more sense because no supports are required. Looks pretty good but I don't use lockline so I'll have to McGuyver it for testing or modify the file for a hose attachment and print another one.
Ooo that could be interesting. I don’t have a 3D printer but could be interesting if it works correctly
So I finally got around to testing this. Modding the .STL file was too much of a pain because the resulting solid had too much going on and every click resulted in 10 minutes of computer "thinking". So I just designed a thread that matches a few different pumps I have and glued it on. In my testing at various flow rates the output seems to choose one direction and stay there rather than move around. This did cause a large vortex in the test tank but not the desired effect. I'm pretty sure there must be a deformation in my print since I did it at ludicrous speed and low print settings. I may redo it with high quality settings and see what I get.
One observation is this "original vortex" has 4 inner fins but the VCA RFG has 5. I don't think that's the x-factor however, but more of a "I didn't copy you". Either way it's just an eductor with fins and you could experiment all day with different layouts and see what effect it has.
One observation is this "original vortex" has 4 inner fins but the VCA RFG has 5. I don't think that's the x-factor however, but more of a "I didn't copy you". Either way it's just an eductor with fins and you could experiment all day with different layouts and see what effect it has.
Interesting. If you do the high quality print, let us know the results
mtnbike101
Well-known member
What is your flow rate through the nozzle? I have a couple of the VCA version and if the flow is too slow it will just "stick" on one.
Oh that's good to know. The most powerful pump I tried was 2500//hr (660gph) but it's an amazon cheapy so maybe the back pressure is killing it. Otherwise that should be more than enough based on VCA's flow chart.
mtnbike101
Well-known member
Agreed, 660gph should be plenty.
gratefulbean
Member
Strong work
