With a self-designed and 3D-printed adapter, maker Joshua Bellamy has succeeded in transforming ordinary tap water into an almost turbulence-free water jet. The structure creates a so-called laminar flow, in which the water moves in parallel paths without swirling. The result is more reminiscent of a transparent glass rod than a typical garden hose jet.
Laminar flow is particularly in demand where precise flow control is required – for example in measurement technology or laboratory applications. It is rarely encountered in everyday life, as most water applications manage with a certain degree of turbulence. Nevertheless, the project shows that an extraordinary effect can be achieved with simple means.
Bellamy relies on a modular design with several printed parts and optional components. Depending on the version, additional elements such as screw-in nuts, LED lights or insulating material are required to smooth the flow. Glass fiber mat on the inlet side provides an initial calming of the water flow. However, the final effect is created by a finely machined outlet nozzle, which ensures that the water particles are evenly aligned in the flow channel.
The current version reduces the assembly effort considerably compared to earlier designs, but remains a DIY project. If you want to try out the laminar effect, you can download the model and rebuild it – a standard FDM printer is sufficient.
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