<p>I've found that a double-walled base seems to give better results than trying to make the base very thick. Any imperfections in the print, or cracking caused by removing the print can lead to leaks - but if there is layer/infill/layer, the result seems to turn out better for me.</p>

<p>Vase mode can be effective (although won't be easy to combine with the above unless you slice your model in several parts), and I've had success whilst using 100% vase mode for vases to hold water. This demonstrates that a single wall thickness is sufficient to achieve a watertight print.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-07-14T19:14:22.070Z
2018-07-14T19:14:22.070Z
Sean Houlihane
<p>When designing the object, you should make sure your object is completely enclosed (obviously). When printing, try increasing the print temperature so that the layers stick to each other well. The most important thing is the print temperature, because if the layers don't adhere to each other well, you will get a leak. The wall thickness of the object can be thin, as long as it isn't so thin that it has too little strength to hold anything. </p>

<p>Some tips:</p>

<ul>
<li>Printing in vase mode can save loads of time, otherwise the printer wastes time doing each layer separately. </li>
<li>Your nozzle should be 0.4&nbsp;mm and up, otherwise the print will take forever.</li>
</ul>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2017-08-27T17:57:31.163Z
2018-07-14T18:56:24.343Z
2018-07-14T18:56:24.343Z
Kiro
<p>I made a tea bowl, but it leaked when making it in PLA...</p>

<p>What are the key points to keep in mind when designing and printing an object that is intended to hold water using an FDM printer? </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-28T14:45:08.793Z
See this question: https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/2832/is-it-possible-to-make-a-hermetic-sealed-3d-printed-case
fukanchik
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-06-25T14:40:00.123Z
If you use ABS to print your object, also take a look at using Aceton. This can help melt/weld the 3d printed layers together. This should also remove tiny problems and create a smooth surface.
LWS-Mo
<3d-design><fdm><water-resistance>
How to make an object hold water
Marius
# How to make an object hold water

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-08-27)

I made a tea bowl, but it leaked when making it in PLA...

What are the key points to keep in mind when designing and printing an object that is intended to hold water using an FDM printer?

**Tags:** 3d-design, fdm, water-resistance
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: See this question: https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/2832/is-it-possible-to-make-a-hermetic-sealed-3d-printed-case  
> **username_2**: If you use ABS to print your object, also take a look at using Aceton. This can help melt/weld the 3d printed layers together. This should also remove tiny problems and create a smooth surface.  

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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2018-07-14. Score: 5

I've found that a double-walled base seems to give better results than trying to make the base very thick. Any imperfections in the print, or cracking caused by removing the print can lead to leaks - but if there is layer/infill/layer, the result seems to turn out better for me.

Vase mode can be effective (although won't be easy to combine with the above unless you slice your model in several parts), and I've had success whilst using 100% vase mode for vases to hold water. This demonstrates that a single wall thickness is sufficient to achieve a watertight print.


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### Answer by username_4 on 2017-08-27. Score: 4

When designing the object, you should make sure your object is completely enclosed (obviously). When printing, try increasing the print temperature so that the layers stick to each other well. The most important thing is the print temperature, because if the layers don't adhere to each other well, you will get a leak. The wall thickness of the object can be thin, as long as it isn't so thin that it has too little strength to hold anything.

Some tips:

* Printing in vase mode can save loads of time, otherwise the printer wastes time doing each layer separately.
* Your nozzle should be 0.4 mm and up, otherwise the print will take forever.


---

