Heart-Adorned Pink Valentine’s Rubber Duck for in Bath

1. Model Preparation

• Hollow Interior: To help the duck float, the model should have a hollow interior (or minimal infill). If you’re designing the duck yourself, incorporate an internal cavity.
• Wall Thickness: Keep walls thick enough (1.2–1.6 mm) to maintain structural integrity without adding too much weight.

2. Slicing Settings

• Layer Height: Use a medium layer height (e.g., 0.2 mm) to balance detail and print speed.
• Infill: Aim for 0–10% infill (or “shell only/vase mode” if your slicer supports it for closed models) to reduce weight.
• Shells/Perimeters: Use at least 2–3 perimeters to ensure watertight walls. More perimeters can help with water tightness and durability, but you still want to keep the model lightweight.
• Supports: Depending on the duck’s geometry, you may need supports under the beak or any steep overhangs.
• Print Orientation: Orient the duck so that its base is on the build plate (duck’s bottom down). This often provides stable printing and minimizes support.

3. PLA Print Settings

• Nozzle Temperature: 200–210°C (check filament manufacturer’s recommendation).
• Bed Temperature: 60°C (use your filament’s recommended range).
• Print Speed: Moderate speed (40–60 mm/s) for improved print quality.

4. Achieving Watertight Prints

• Ensure Good Layer Adhesion: PLA can sometimes be slightly porous at layer seams. Increase your extrusion multiplier slightly (e.g., 1.02–1.05) if you see gaps.
• Use a Brim: A brim can help the base adhere, reducing the risk of warping and gaps.
• Post-Processing Seal (optional): For maximum floatation assurance, apply a thin coat of food-safe epoxy resin or a waterproof sealant on the inside or outside. A light sanding before sealing helps the epoxy adhere better.

5. Testing for Floatability

1. Check for Leaks: After printing, fill the duck with water or submerge it briefly and watch for bubbles that might indicate holes.
2. Seal Joints if Needed: If small leaks occur around seams or layer lines, patch them with a quick-setting epoxy or UV resin.
3. Balance: If the duck tips over too easily, you can add a small weight (like a few grams of clay or silicone sealant) at the base, sealing it internally so it remains watertight.