Encasing magnets in prints, safe?

jetson

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I’ve only used coated magnets from K&J Magnetics, but it occurred to me while printing a part that I could stop a print to insert magnets where needed and encase them in the print. This would be much less expensive since harbor freight neodymium magnets are very cheap. But in the long term, is this safe for my tanks? I am using PETG, and infill varies from 15-50% if that would make any difference. Curious to know if anyone has done this and how it went if so.
 

firechild

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If submerged, no. 3d prints, even with 100% infill, often have very small gaps in layers. There's no guarantee that they would be fully encapsulated with no exposure to water. I would go with resin coating if they are submerged.
If you're planning to use them for other purposes, then pausing prints to add magnets is a pretty common method and works well, especially if you can get the perfect hole size for a soft press fit.
 

AlexandraDreadlocksPanda

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When encasing magnets in 3D prints, I’ve deliberately either modified the design, or designed from scratch so that I can encase the magnet in Epoxy within the piece, then when the epoxy is set and I’m happy the magnet is fully covered, then bonding the piece together. I also tend to 3D prints PETG things of this nature at 100% infill so they’re solid and stronger; if I’m putting that much time and effort in I want it to last!!! 😅
 

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