Boomr Bin Magnetic Quick Disconnect Version 0.13: Stronger TPU-to-PLA Bonding
One of the things I enjoy most about designing upgrades for the Boomr Bin ecosystem is that every revision comes from real-world use.
After multiple grows, countless print iterations, and plenty of time spent removing, cleaning, and reinstalling parts, I often find small opportunities to improve a design. Sometimes those improvements are major redesigns. Other times they're subtle changes that make the overall experience better.
Version 0.12 of the Boomr Bin Magnetic Quick Disconnect falls into the second category.
While this update doesn't dramatically change how the Quick Disconnect works, it does improve one of the most important aspects of the design: the bond between the TPU gasket and the PLA body.
Why This Update Was Needed
The Problem
Since the TPU dosen’t have enough surface area to stick it will rip off from the PLA when prying it off the build plate. I would also assume it might come off during normal use.
The Quick Disconnect uses a combination of rigid PLA and flexible TPU to create a secure connection while maintaining a proper seal.
Previous versions worked well, but during printing I occasionally noticed that removing the finished part from the build plate could place stress on the TPU gasket. In some situations, the force required to remove the print could begin separating the TPU from the PLA.
This wasn't a major issue, but it was something I wanted to improve before continuing development of future revisions.
Rather than waiting for a bigger update, I decided to address the problem directly.
What Changed in Version 0.13
Version 0.12 introduces improvements that significantly increase adhesion between the TPU and PLA portions of the print.
I’ve added a small layer between the TPU and PLA that is 100% infil. The result is a stronger bond between the two materials, helping them function as a single component rather than two separate materials joined together.
While the change may not be immediately visible, it becomes obvious during printing, handling, and everyday use.
Benefits of the Update
Easier Print Removal
The first benefit is apparent as soon as the print finishes.
With the improved bond between materials, parts can be removed from the build plate with far less concern about the TPU gasket separating from the main body.
This makes post-processing easier and reduces the chance of damaging a completed print before it's even installed.
Increased Overall Strength
Improved adhesion doesn't just help during printing.
A stronger connection between the TPU and PLA creates a more durable finished part that can better withstand repeated installation, removal, cleaning, and maintenance.
Since the Quick Disconnect is designed to be used frequently, every improvement to durability matters.
Better Long-Term Reliability
The goal of this design has always been creating a tool that simplifies the growing process.
By improving the bond between materials, Version 0.12 increases confidence that the Quick Disconnect will continue performing reliably through repeated use over time.
Looking Ahead
Version 0.12 may be a relatively small update, but development is far from finished.
One area I'm currently exploring is post-processing the TPU gaskets using DMSO. The goal is to smooth the gasket surface and potentially create an even better seal between components.
Because this would be a post-processing step performed after printing, it won't affect the downloadable files themselves. However, if testing continues to show positive results, future physical parts sold through my shop may include this additional finishing process.
This is one of the advantages of offering assembled products. While anyone can download and print the files themselves, purchased parts may benefit from additional assembly, testing, quality control, and finishing techniques that aren't possible to include in a downloadable model.
As always, any changes will be thoroughly tested before becoming part of the final product.
Built Through Real-World Use
Like most of my Boomr Bin upgrades, this project wasn't created to become a product.
It started because I found myself repeatedly removing the exhaust fan during cleaning, harvesting, maintenance, and storage. The original goal was simply to make that process easier.
Since then, the Quick Disconnect has evolved through continuous testing, feedback, and actual use in my own grows.
Version 0.12 is another step in that process.
It may not be the most exciting update, but sometimes the smallest improvements are the ones that make a product feel more refined, reliable, and enjoyable to use.
And that's exactly what this update was designed to accomplish.
Thanks to everyone who has downloaded, printed, tested, and provided feedback on these designs. Community feedback continues to play a major role in shaping future revisions and new additions to the growing Boomr Bin ecosystem.
