Artificial Wetland Probe Holder

Date: July 10, 2024
Designer: Caleb Mueller

Objectives and Constraints

  • Objective: Create a waterproof holder for 3 probes
  • Constraints: Must have enough buoyancy to keep the probes at a certain level in the water. The probe holder and the method of attaching the probes should not degrade over time

Materials and Tools

  • Software: Autodesk Fusion
  • Materials: PLA, ASA, and ABS filament
  • Equipment: Voron Trident 3D Printer

Phases of Development

I. Client Consultation

  • Process: Met with the client to determine the design criteria and properties of the probe holder.
  • Actions: Measurements were taken of the individual probes.

II. CAD Modelling and Prototyping

  • Process: Developed the model in Fusion.
  • Actions: Prototypes were printed and PLA and tested at the Enhanced Forestry Lab for waterproofness and buoyancy (as seen in Figure 1)

III. Printing of Final Products

  • Process: Once a suitable prototype was created, 6 models were printed in ASA and ABS due to its non-porous and mechanically stable properties.

Skills Developed

  • Buoyancy and waterproofing in 3D prints
  • Snap fit design

Support and Resources

  • Graduate Student: Eric Groenenberg
  • Lab: UNBC Enhanced Forestry Lab

Product Images

  • Figure 1: Testing prototypes at the EFL

Client Feedback

“Dear Caleb,

I want to express my appreciation for the work you did in designing and developing the custom 3D-printed probe holder for my constructed wetland research microcosms. Your design played a critical role in ensuring that our water quality probes consistently recorded measurements at the correct depth, which was vital for the accuracy and reliability of my research data.

From initial design to final prototype, your ability to integrate feedback and refine the design over multiple iterations resulted in a product that was not only precise but perfectly tailored to the needs of my research. The probe holder greatly improved the quality of my data, enabling more accurate and relevant readings which will have a meaningful impact on the outcomes of this project.

Working with you was a pleasure due to your professionalism, attention to detail, and drive to perfect the design. I also want to acknowledge the support from Spark Labs at UNBC, which provided the material resources and collaborative environment necessary to bring this project to fruition.

I would gladly collaborate with you again on future projects and highly recommend your skills and expertise to others.

Thank you again for your excellent work.”


– Eric Groenenberg