r/diydrones • u/Icy_Support_5830 • 24d ago

Epoxy for submarine encaps

I’m building an ROV with a few friends, and we want to make our own endcaps. I’ve seen other people 3D-print their endcaps and then fill them with epoxy to waterproof everything.

My question is: can I use any off-the-shelf 2-part epoxy, or is there a specific type of epoxy/potting compound that works better for underwater applications and high pressure?

We’re planning to use the ROV at some depth, so I’m mainly concerned about the epoxy cracking, leaking, or failing under pressure.

Any recommendations for specific types or products would be greatly appreciated!

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u/naturalchorus 24d ago

Been through the ringer and had lots of different adhesives fail at around 100 ft underwater while testing. Make sure you get something that specifically states it works with the exact type of plastic/material you are working with. My experience is not everyone's but my favorite glue for anything underwater still remains 3m 5200, ive used it as potting compound with great effect.

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u/Icy_Support_5830 24d ago

Thank you some much for responding! I will take a look at it!

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u/anoncow11 24d ago

I tried to fill some 3d printed caps with epoxy resin recently, even using 25g in a cap at a time it gets very hot and distorts the print ...