Iris Blast Gate

This was one was a bit of fun, really. I have had a few requests to make a blast gate which is compatible with my magnetic dust hose adapters. There are already loads of great designs on makerworld (like this one) , which you could add my one of my flexible adapters in order to make it compatible. So I thought I would try something a little different! (and stretch my Fusion skills to near breaking point…)

This blast gate uses an iris mechanism, which has the advantage that you can operate it one-handed. Simply twist the hose as you are disconnecting it…and the gate is closed! 

Requires 10mm x 3mm magnets (N52 grade neodymium recommended). 

Optional O-rings for a better seal can be found here. 

The parts should simply press fit together. Some sanding may be required if the supports do not come off cleanly. Check it all moves smoothly first as it is a real pain to pull it apart again! There are tolerances built in to ensure easy movement but this may vary with different filaments used and calibration of individual printers. I did spray in some dry PTFE for good measure and, as you can see (below), it works very nicely.

Highly recommend using PLA-CF for the two discs. These are large parts and may warp if printed on an open printer. It pretty much maxes out my A1 mini! It should still function fine if there is a small amount of warping - the O-ring gives some wiggle room. It'll just not look great. 

I also recommend TPU 95A for the O-rings. TPU for AMS may work but I have not tested it. I imagine it would be too rigid and likely to break when pulled due to the worse layer adhesion. 

If folks are interested then I can make other versions e.g. with only one magnetic side and the other attaching to a machine port directly.