We present a design for a 3D printed Malaise trap head using polylactic acid filament. The head is tested under field conditions, the polylactic acid material tested with common killing and preservation chemicals and with intense UV light. The head works successfully in the field, and the material is suitable for use with propylene glycol, dichlorvos, or EtOH solutions, but breaks down when ammonium carbonate, sodium cyanide, or ethyl acetate are used. We did not see any impact when the material was exposed to UV. Based on our success, we encourage entomologists to explore the potential for making custom 3D components for sampling insects and other field and laboratory applications. All the trap head design files are available online, free for non-commercial use.
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22 July 2016
A 3D printed Malaise trap head
Kipling Will,
Ian Steplowski
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The Pan-Pacific Entomologist
Vol. 92 • No. 2
April 2016
Vol. 92 • No. 2
April 2016
3D printing
custom trap components
PLA