Native Stingless Bee feeder float Free 3D print model

This float is designed to be used in a stingless bee sugar syrup feeder constructed from 90mm PVC pipe. The external dimeter is 85.5mm allowing for a snug fit, thereby reducing the likelihood of bees drowning whilst still being able to feed effectively. Before printing, please consider the tollerance of your printer as well as the variance in the internal diameter of PVC pipe. The float can be used in conjuntion with a perforated lid when the total feeder height does not exceed the height of the float itself. In this instance, the stem of the float acts as a liquid feed level indicator and also as a ladder for the bees. (see photos) The current height of the float is 140mm. The gap between the stem of the float and the perforation in the lid acts as an alternate point of access to the feeder, whilst excluding larger insects. The perforated lid also works to ensure the float stays right.

I have made my feeders with additional access points in the PVC pipe (see photos attached) Please be aware that the files attached include photos of a previous prototype where the stem was more slender, however I found these were prone to breakage. The current stem diameter is 15mm and is pictured with a blue lid. My floats are printed in PLA and seems to float well with a 10% hexagonal infill.

The crawl space on this design has been tested on Australian Native Stingless Bee species, Tetragonula Hockingsi. If you intend you use this feeder with species outside Australia, you may need to consider changing the size of the crawl space. Please consider the environment when 3D printing.