Modular Bird Netting System

Protect Your Harvest: Customizable 3D Printed Bird Netting System

Are you tired of sharing your homegrown strawberries and tomatoes with local birds? I've developed a solution designed specifically for deck and patio gardeners: a modular, customizable bird netting system that you can 3D print yourself.

My design is engineered for versatility and ease of use. It allows you to create a protective enclosure as tall and as wide as your specific plants require, adapting perfectly to any container garden or raised bed on your deck.

A key design feature is the integrated hooks directly within the hexagonal frame components. This means no zip ties or additional fasteners are needed for assembly – simply drape your netting, and the built-in hooks secure it firmly.

I've optimized this design for 3D printing, ensuring no support structures are required, which saves you time and material during the printing process. While I've successfully printed my system in ASA for superior outdoor durability, PETG is also an excellent choice, and newer PLA-HT (High-Temperature PLA) formulations should also provide adequate performance in outdoor conditions.

The only additional material you'll need is standard bird netting, readily available from Amazon or any hardware store. Protect your valuable harvest and enjoy the full bounty of your efforts.

Assembly & Printing Instructions

Printing Instructions:

1. Material Selection: For optimal outdoor durability and UV resistance, ASA is highly recommended. PETG offers a strong and weather-resistant alternative. Newer PLA-HT (High-Temperature PLA) variants are also suitable for outdoor use.
2. Support-Free Design: All components are engineered to print without the need for support structures. Please use the default settings as the parts are oriented for printing.
3. Infill & Perimeters: A 15-25% infill is generally sufficient for strength and material efficiency.
4. Layer Height: A standard layer height (e.g., 0.2mm - 0.28mm) provides a good balance of detail and print time.

Assembly Instructions:

Required Materials:

• 6 vertical connectors and 6 vertical extenders per layer. Each (uncustomized) layer is approximately 460mm (18inches) in height.
• 6 horizontal bars per layer. Each (uncustomized) layer is approximately 600mm (24inches) in diameter.
• 6 top connectors. You need one set per system.
• Bird Netting (purchasable from Amazon or hardware stores).

Step-by-Step Assembly:

1. Planning Your Enclosure:
   • Measure the dimensions of the area or plants you wish to cover.
   • Determine the number of vertical connectors, extenders and horizontal bars required to achieve your desired height and width. (For example: Each vertical connector section is 46 cm/18 inches long, so calculate how many you need to reach your target height.)

2. Frame Components:

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   As illustrated in the last picture I used: 

   • 18 vertical extenders.
   • 6 top connectors.
   • 24 horizontal connectors.
   • 18 vertical connectors.
3. Attaching the Bird Netting:
   • Carefully drape the bird netting over your fully assembled 3D printed frame.
   • Crucially, utilize the integrated hooks designed into the hexagonal frame components to secure the netting. Press the netting onto these hooks until it's held in place. This eliminates the need for separate zip ties or twine.
   • Ensure the netting is taut but not overly stretched. Secure the bottom edges of the netting to the integrated hooks. No other hardware necessary.
4. Final Inspection:
   • Thoroughly inspect the entire enclosure for any potential gaps or loose areas where birds might penetrate. Make any necessary adjustments to the netting's position on the hooks.
   • Your customized bird netting system is now ready to protect your harvest!