Login
If you have any trouble logging in to your account, contact us.
Sign Up
To start 3D printing or Laser Cutting, you'll need to create an account here. Once done, you'll be able to upload your files and get live quotes of yours parts
Already have an account? Log In
The tests were conducted in a stainless steel pressure chamber, filled with freshwater and pressurized using a compressor reaching up to 10 bars (equivalent to 100 meters of depth). The 3D printed parts had a 2 mm wall thickness and featured an A55 silicone O-ring (Ø ext. 47 mm / Ø int. 41 mm / thickness 3 mm), inserted into a groove and compressed with a screwed PMMA plate.
All configurations were tested with and without dielectric silicone grease. Waterproofing was confirmed if:
The tests focused on six material variants: raw polypropylene, smoothed polypropylene, raw PA11, smoothed PA11, raw PA12, and smoothed PA12.
For each material, the parts were tested in different assembly configurations, with or without silicone grease, in order to simulate realistic mounting conditions.
Each part was subjected to a progressive pressure increase in the test chamber. The trials began with 2 bars of pressure for 24 hours, followed by an additional 48 hours at the same pressure.
Next, the pressure was raised to 4 bars for 24 hours, then held for another 48 hours.
Finally, the parts were exposed to 8 bars for 24 hours, and again for 48 hours.
This protocol was designed to evaluate not only immediate resistance to pressure, but also the long-term sealing stability under sustained stress. The gradual escalation ensures a reliable and thorough assessment of waterproof performance.
Polypropylene (PP) whether raw or smoothed, with or without silicone grease passed all tests without any infiltration. Every sample showed water absorption below 0.01%.
The parts remained completely dry on the inside, even after 48 hours of immersion at 8 bars of pressure. This consistent performance over time and under stress makes PP a benchmark choice for parts that need to stay sealed during long-term immersion.
Parts printed in PA11 and PA12, even when smoothed and used with silicone grease, all showed water absorption above 5%, making them unsuitable for assemblies that must remain waterproof over time.
No visible leakage was detected, but the materials themselves absorbed moisture, compromising long-term durability. Secondary sealing solutions like coatings or varnishes are possible but tend to be complex, costly, and unreliable in the long run.
| Feature / Material | Water Absorption (avg.) | Leak Detection (paper test) | Suitable for Long-Term Immersion | Performance at 8 bars / 48 h | Effect of Smoothing | Effect of Silicone Grease | Compatibility with Water Exposure |
| Polypropylene (PP) | < 0,01 % | 0% (no infiltration) | 100% (all cycles passed) | Passed | Negligible on sealing, improves cleanability | Improves sealing (on joint only) | Fully compatible with long-term immersion |
| PA11 | 5,4 % – 6,3 % | 0% (no infiltration) | 0% (absorbs moisture) | Paper remained dry | Negligible on sealing, improves cleanability | No effect on absorption | Compatible with short-term immersion or splashes |
| PA12 | 5,7 % – 6,8 % | 0% (no infiltration) | 0% (absorbs moisture) | Paper remained dry | Negligible on sealing, improves cleanability | No effect on absorption | Compatible with short-term immersion or splashes |
The secondary findings from the tests are clear. Surface smoothing does not significantly affect the overall permeability of the part. Silicone grease helps improve the seal of the O-ring, but it does not prevent the material itself from absorbing water.
Lastly, in saltwater environments, it is essential to use compatible metal screws and inserts to avoid galvanic corrosion for example, using stainless steel screws with stainless steel inserts.
For applications exposed to rain, splashes, or occasional humidity, PA11 or PA12 can be suitable provided that wall thickness, assembly design, and additional precautions are carefully controlled.
In the case of short-term immersion, PA11 or PA12 may still be used, but users must accept a certain level of moisture absorption and systematically verify the waterproofness of each configuration.
For situations involving long-term immersion, such as embedded sensors remaining underwater for several hours or days, only Polypropylene (PP) whether raw or smoothed has demonstrated reliable and lasting waterproofing.
Finally, for long-term immersion in saltwater environments, such as the ocean, PP stands out as the only suitable material, thanks to its hydrophobic properties and long-term chemical stability.
| Application Condition | Splashes / Rain / Outdoor Exposure | Short-Term Immersion | Long-Term Immersion | Long-Term Immersion in Saltwater |
| Recommended Material | PA11 / PA12 (with caution) | PA11 / PA12 (limited use) | Polypropylene (PP) | Polypropylene (PP) |
At Sculpteo, we print using advanced technologies such as SLS and HP Multi Jet Fusion, and we specialize in post-processing techniques like chemical smoothing to ensure both mechanical performance and aesthetic quality.
While waterproof testing is not performed internally, our team relies on verified test data to provide you with expert guidance on material selection. Thanks to our extensive experience with a wide range of functional applications, we can help you identify the most reliable 3D printing solutions to ensure your parts meet the required performance criteria.
Not sure if your application is compatible with our materials?
We’re here to help. Our team can assist you in evaluating whether your process and conditions are suitable for using our materials, based on test-based insights and real-world experience.
Inscrivez-vous à notre newsletter pour tout connaître des dernières technologies d’impression 3D et de leurs applications, mais aussi des nouveaux matériaux et logiciels 3D.
Connect with Google
Connect with Facebook