Increase shop efficiency: The ultimate guide to 3D printing paint stands
Tired of fumbling with shaky spray cans or accidentally knocking them over mid-project? Does your workspace lack dedicated paint and primer organization? Custom painted brackets that are carefully designed and 3D printed could be the perfect solution. This guide takes an in-depth look at how to use additive manufacturing technology to create practical, durable brackets that allow hobbyists and professionals alike to carry out painting tasks in an orderly and efficient manner.
Why 3D print a spray paint stand?
Spray paint is everywhere in workshops, model making, DIY projects and even art studios. However, efficiently managing multiple jars is a common challenge. Traditional solutions often involve temporary racks or expensive commercial racks that may not be suitable for your specific needs or space constraints. 3D printing has clear advantages:
- Complete customization: Design racks to fit specific tank sizes (standard, large, specialty), capacities, and even incorporate unique features like nozzle storage, tool holders, or mounting options tailored to your workbench.
- Optimize efficiency: Design ergonomically painted angle stands, racks to organize multiple cans by color/type, or wall-mounted solutions to free up valuable bench space.
- Cost effectiveness: Printed scaffolds cost a fraction of their commercial counterparts, especially for unique designs.
- Durability and longevity: Choose high-strength filament materials that can withstand shop environments, including impact, chemicals, and UV exposure.
- Rapid prototyping: Iterate designs quickly – test different angles, groove depths or mounting systems before making the final print.
Key design considerations before printing
A little planning goes a long way in creating a functional and reliable stand:
- Target tank size: Accurately measure the diameter and height of the jar you want to hold. Make sure the slot is 1-2mm wider than the can diameter for easy placement/removal and a secure grip. Label thickness factor.
- angle: Determine the optimal inclination (usually 10-45 degrees). This angle facilitates spraying without straining the wrist and ensures that the nozzle is easily accessible and at the lowest point possible.
- Basic stability and installation:
- Freestanding base: A wide and strong base proportional to the height and load capacity of the stand is required. Incorporate features like interlocking feet or weighted base designs to prevent tipping.
- Wall/desktop installation: Includes integrated mounting holes/slots (keyhole slots are popular). Make sure the mounting points are connected to solid structural components of the printed design.
- capacity: The single tank rack has a compact structure; multiple tank racks (linear, circular, grid) optimize space. Make sure there is enough space between jars for easy access.
- Material Compatibility: If used outdoors, consider resistance to solvents (paint thinner, acetone), oils, and UV rays. Your material selection (covered next) will heavily impact tolerances and durability.
Choosing the right filament: strength and chemical resistance
Not all filaments are suitable for workshop use. Prioritize materials that are tough and elastic:
- PETG (ethylene glycol modified PET): Highly recommended. Offers an excellent balance of strength, toughness, impressive layer adhesion, good chemical resistance (to common shop solvents), UV resistance and moderate temperature resistance. Generally easy to print and ideal for durable functional parts.
- ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate): Best choice for outdoor/high UV exposure. The strength is similar to ABS, but it has extremely excellent UV resistance and weather resistance. Excellent chemical resistance. Due to easy deformation, more care is required when printing (case recommended). Ideal for stands that may be exposed to sunlight.
- Nylon (PA6, PA12): Excellent toughness, wear resistance and good chemical resistance. However, it is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture and needs to dry), deforms easily, and can be difficult to print without the correct settings.
- Avoid using PLA: While easy to print, standard PLA is brittle, deforms when exposed to heat (even automotive ambient temperatures), has poor UV resistance, and lacks adequate resistance to common chemical leaks (paint thinners, solvents). Avoid use with this application.
Printing Tips for Sturdy Spray Can Holders
Achieving robust, reliable printing requires attention to settings:
- High filling density: 100% filling is highly recommended. Spray cans are heavy and dropping the stand may shatter smaller prints. Solid filling provides maximum structural integrity and impact resistance.
- Add perimeter/walls: use 3-4 girth (wall). Version Command This combined with 100% infill creates an incredibly dense, solid part.
- Floor height: The height is 0.2mm Provides a good balance of strength and print time/refinement for this application.
- Best printing direction: Adjust the print direction to account for the forces acting on the tank (primarily shear when placing/removing the tank)
