nLink - The Pool Noodle Mattress from the 3D Printer

To assemble your pool noodle mattress, you'll need the following materials:

• nLink on printables.com
• nLink on Thingiverse
• nLink on Cults

The print parts are designed for different diameters of pool noodles. Odd diameters are rounded down to the next smallest diameter. So, if your pool noodles have a diameter of 65 mm, you'll need the print parts “nlink-d64-part-m-v10.stl”, “nlink-d64-part-l-v10.stl”, and “nlink-d64-part-r-v10.stl”.

• 25 pieces of “part-m”
• 5 pieces of “part-r”
• 5 pieces of “part-l”

• 6 pool noodles: The length should be between 1500 mm and 1700 mm, with a diameter between 60 mm and 70 mm.
• Cable ties: The dimensions should be 400 mm x 7.6 mm x 1.2 mm. Ensure they are UV-resistant and have a tensile strength of at least 50kg.

When 3D printing, the right material and correct print settings are crucial. The parts you print should not only look good but also be robust and durable. Here are some tips to consider.

For the filament choice, I recommend ASA, for instance. Its outstanding properties, such as UV resistance, make it perfectly suited for projects exposed to the sun. In general, ensure that your chosen material is resistant to UV radiation, chlorine, or saltwater. Additionally, a high impact resistance is beneficial to give your pool noodle mattress the necessary robustness. This ensures that the printed parts are both visually appealing and can withstand the elements.

Precision is key in 3D printing. I've already generously designed the manufacturing tolerances in the print parts to guarantee you the best possible fit. Nonetheless, it's essential to check the printed parts for their fit.

Initially, print one specimen each of “part-m”, “part-r”, and “part-l”. Then check if they fit well together and the openings for the cable ties are sufficient. This check is crucial to ensure you get a functional final product.

If, against expectations, the parts don't fit or other problems arise, don't hesitate to contact me.

The images show how you should position the print parts. Try to position as many parts as possible on the build plate. This reduces the printing effort and saves time.

Print part: part-m

Print part: part-l

Print part: part-r

For the slicer print settings, I recommend the following for a 0.4 mm nozzle:

• At least 3 walls (Walls)
• 1 mm top layers (Top-Layer) or 5 layers (layer height 0.2 mm)
• 1 mm bottom layers (Bottom-Layer) or 5 layers (layer height 0.2 mm)
• At least 20% infill density (Infill): The infill provides additional stability to your parts. When choosing the infill pattern, opt for a high-strength one. Recommended patterns include Cubic, Honeycomb, or Gyroid.

Depending on the chosen material, it might be necessary to print a brim. This helps improve the adhesion of the parts to the build plate and prevent warping.

Now that you've printed all the necessary parts and prepared the materials, we come to the most exciting part: assembling your pool noodle mattress.

Your pool noodle mattress consists of six pool noodles held together by five rows. Each row is composed as follows:

• Start with a “part-l”.
• Then add five “part-m”.
• Finish the row with a “part-r”.

Simply connect the parts in the specified order and secure them with cable ties. Refer to the image for clarity - a picture is worth a thousand words!

Arrangement per row: 1x part-l, 5x part-m, 1x part-r

For each row, you'll need a total of six cable ties. The “part-m” parts have two recesses in the web through which you can pull the cable ties.

A little tip: Don't cut the cable ties right at the head. Instead, thread them through the web and then cut them. This allows you to tighten the cable ties later and prevents sharp cut edges of the cable ties from protruding on the underside of the mattress, which could cause injuries.

And you're done! Enjoy your new, homemade floating relaxation spot!

Before you put your new nLink pool noodle mattress into action, there are some essential safety notes to consider. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones are of utmost importance.

1. Always observe the safety instructions normally attached to the pool noodles. These instructions are specific to the product and must be strictly adhered to.
2. I assume no liability for the replication and use of the nLink pool noodle mattress. You are responsible for proper manufacturing and safe use.
3. Children and toddlers should never use the mattress unsupervised. Even if pool noodles are often seen as toys, they can pose dangers in water environments, especially when assembled into a larger structure.
4. It's essential to note that the nLink mattress is NOT a flotation device for non-swimmers. It's not designed to safely keep a non-swimmer afloat.

Safety should always come first when using products like the nLink pool noodle mattress. Always stay vigilant and ensure you follow the above guidelines.