Goal:

Develop a container for silica gel (desiccant) to keep filament dry during storage.

Requirements:

  • Perforated design to allow silica gel to absorb humidity effectively.
  • Threaded connection to securely combine the cap and cylindrical container.
  • Sufficient capacity to maintain low humidity for a 4590 in³ (2.66 ft³) filament container.
50W auto heate labeled

Design Highlights:

  • Thread Selection: Used Machinery's Handbook to determine M48 x 2 thread size for this large application, as SolidWorks lacked default options. Multiple iterations ensured proper 3D printability and functionality.
  • Perforation Design: A large number of holes maximize airflow exposure to the silica gel.
  • Silica Gel Capacity: Designed for ~172 g (0.189 quarts) of silica gel—over 3 times the estimated requirement (45 g) to minimize refill frequency.
50W auto heate 50W auto heate

Outcome:

The final design successfully meets all requirements, providing:

  • Effective Humidity Control: High perforation density for maximum air exposure.
  • Secure Fit: M48 x 2 threading for reliable assembly.
  • Ample Capacity: 172 g of silica gel, ensuring prolonged moisture control for a 4590 in³ (2.66 ft³) filament container.
50W auto heate