Vacuum Valve for Bag or Container

Universal Vacuum Bag Valve – Manual Screw Lock & TPU Seal

Tired of vacuum bags that leak air after just a few hours? This 3D-printable valve features a two-stage manual locking system and integrated TPU gaskets to ensure a high-pressure, professional-grade seal.

How it Works

Unlike standard "flapper" valves that rely on thin plastic membranes, this design uses a threaded inner core combined with flexible gaskets.

1. The Airflow Phase: By slightly unscrewing the inner core, you create a path for the air to be sucked out by a vacuum.
2. The Final Seal: As you tighten the screw, it compresses the TPU gaskets against the valve housing, creating a mechanical, airtight lock that won't fail over time.

Operating Instructions

• Step 1: Assemble the TPU gaskets into the valve housing and screw.
• Step 2: Install the valve base onto your vacuum bag.
• Step 3: Open the inner screw a little bit. This is crucial! The valve will not allow air to exit if it is fully tightened.
• Step 4: Use a vacuum cleaner to suck all the air out.
• Step 5: Immediately close and tighten the inner screw to compress the TPU and finalize the vacuum seal.

Print Settings (Tested on A1 mini)

Main Body & Screw:

• Material: PETG for durability and chemical resistance.
• Walls: 4-5 walls to prevent air leaking through the infill.
• Infill: 100% for the inner screw component.

Gaskets:

• Material: TPU (Flexible). The elasticity of TPU is what provides the actual airtight "crush" seal.
• Layer Height: $0.16\text{mm}$ for a smoother sealing surface.

Maintenance Note: If you are printing the gaskets and the body on the same machine without an AMS, remember to perform a Cold Pull when switching from PETG back to TPU to avoid clogs.