3D printers have completely revolutionized the DIY world and rewrote many rules in prototyping and spare parts manufacturing, but they also have another “skill”: answering questions nobody is asking. That’s how we arrive at the channel of Emily the Engineer, who decided to print a toilet in 3D and put it to the test… up to a point.
3D printing is one of many subjects I have pending. My problems boil down to cost, space, dust, and a cat with killer instincts, but local services have helped me solve specific projects. Now, I must admit that it wouldn’t take long for me to lose control. The temptation to face any challenge with pure 3D printing is huge, and I know I’m not alone in that madness. In fact, Emily the Engineer represents it perfectly with her latest project: A printed 3D toilet. Because yes.
The challenge/horror of printing a toilet in 3D
It all started with the development of the model in OnShape (its free mode is excellent for beginners), and the printing of a miniature model. Emily soon found that the lack of hermeticity in the parts would become a headache. As if that weren’t enough, it’s impossible to print an entire toilet using commercial equipment. The key is to divide the design into several pieces (some of them took more than three days), with a combination of thicker walls, a lot of glue, and a soldering iron to seal the tricky areas.
That’s without forgetting that 3D printing requires an appropriate dose of good luck, because some prints fail even under “optimal” conditions. After a couple of emotional crises, Emily managed to get the necessary parts. Fortunately (YouTube would have set the video on fire otherwise), all tests were carried out using safe water. A second stopper and a few sealed leaks later, Emily created an adapter to fill the tank with a garden hose.
And it worked… within what could be expected. Filament waste served as “number 2” in subsequent tests, followed by toilet paper, and a rubber glove. The rest is chaos feeding on itself: a toilet paper holder, coasters, two armrests, a phone charger, a bidet… and wheels. The mobility test reminded me of the Reliant Robin in Top Gear, and the use of an electric hoverboard definitely didn’t improve things.
