and that is why standard sizes exist. The solution then, is to get every one on standardized sizing so the parts work.

The problems are that now somebody needs to have and maintain a printer. (I presume FDM, but resin or something would be more useful.) even then, the production is limited, and you’re still having to source filament or whatever, as well as the parts necessary to maintain it. These parts are all more complicated than PVC pipe fittings are. (and depending on where we’re talking, may not even be available for a variety of reasons.)

and when the part fails (as all things eventually do,) you’re going to be right back where you started. You might be able to get another custom part printed. if the guy happens to still be around and availible.

Granted, the people running the study or setting up the open source fittings probably don’t have the money to encourage people to replace their plumbing, but that’s the solution that won’t see us right back at the problem in a few years. or less.

The researchers believe using a parametric-driven method for local, on-demand 3D printing of customized fittings will unlock more efficient water management.

there’s a whole lot of buzzwords there. if the current system can’t be fixed becuse there’s no parts (pipe fitting, and pipes,) to replace the leaky bits, then how exactly do you expect them to source a 3 d printer and filament? More to the point… FDM prints themselves are prone to leaking, from a myriad of issues.

I don’t think 3d printing the pipe fittings is the answer here.

that said, it’s cool and fun all the same.

theoretically? yes.

several problems.

Food dehydrators typically apply heat as well, and sometimes significantly higher than a filament dryer.

Then there’s the cleaning and bacterial contamiation issues- food dehydrators are made to be easily cleaned so as to prevent bacteria doing nasty things to you.

Then there’s the various resins and solvents that sometimes off gas becoming toxic.

Microplastics is far down the list if you’re desperate, but it’s there too.

but otherwise, they’re still basically the same device A heater (maybe) pushing warm(ish) air over something.