The Journey of the Beetle Device Project

First Complete Print of Beetle Device

At the heart of Williams College lies the vibrant Community Garden, a space teeming with life. However, like any thriving garden, it faces its share of challenges. Among the most persistent is the Japanese beetle, notorious for its appetite for raspberry bushes, which poses a significant threat to the garden’s yield. Enter the Beetle Device Project, a collaborative initiative with the Zilkha Center for Environmental Initiatives, aimed at developing a sustainable, non-toxic solution to mitigate beetle damage.

From Concept to Creation: Addressing Material Challenges

Last spring, the project was conceptualized with the goal of designing a device to safely repel Japanese beetles. The initial team implemented the first iteration of a 3D printed model, but the primary challenge lay in identifying the right material for production. Standard filaments like PLA proved unsuitable due to their porous nature and limited durability in outdoor conditions. With the acquisition of a BOFA air filter and protective enclosures for the 3D printers, the team unlocked the potential of printing with ASA filament—a robust, nonporous material ideally suited for the task.

The Science Behind ASA and Its Potential

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) filament is a game-changer in 3D printing. Its unique properties make ASA an exceptional material for projects requiring durability: its resistance to UV light, moisture, and heat ensures that the Beetle Device can withstand outdoor elements. Understanding the science behind ASA has reinforced its suitability for this project and opened new possibilities for future initiatives involving durable, nonporous materials. 

Overcoming Technical Hurdles

Because this is the Makerspace’s first time working with ASA, the following challenges had to be addressed:

• Warping: A number of our initial prints warped, rendering them useless.
• Lack of adhesion: Despite high printing bed temperatures, the filament often failed to stick to the printing plate.
• Thermal anomaly and runaway: For two weeks, our prints failed at the midway point due to the print bed temperature deviating significantly from the initial setup. For our Prusa MK3S printers, the thermal anomaly resulted in the print halting, and failing.

Each challenge provided an opportunity for growth. The trial-and-error phase deepened my understanding of how environmental factors influence material performance and how to adapt designs to material limitations. Working with ASA required patience, precision, and a willingness to learn—qualities that have honed my technical skills and broadened my perspective on sustainable design.

Relocated BOFA Filter Nozzle

One of the most rewarding moments in the process was the successful printing of the first beetle device trap body. The print, which took approximately ten hours to complete, followed the relocation of the BOFA filter nozzles away from the printing bed in an effort to resolve the thermal anomaly issue. The BOFA filter nozzle had previously been blowing air directly at the printing bed, unintentionally lowering its temperature to the point where the base layers could not stick and causing a thermal anomaly, as the printer struggled to understand why the bed temperature kept dropping during the printing process. Monitoring the print closely during its initial stages and repeatedly checking its progress in the Makerspace was both stressful and immensely satisfying.

Aligning with the Mission of Sustainability

This project aligns seamlessly with the Zilkha Center’s mission to promote sustainability. By employing a safe, eco-conscious approach (i.e. diffusing peppermint essential oils) to pest control, the Beetle Device reduces reliance on harmful chemicals, preserving biodiversity and fostering a healthier environment. It serves as a model for innovative solutions that balance human needs with environmental stewardship.

Impact on the Williams College Community

The Beetle Device has the potential to transform the Williams College Community Garden, safeguarding its raspberry bushes and ensuring a bountiful harvest. Beyond its immediate impact, this project exemplifies how technology and sustainability can converge to address complex challenges. It also lays the groundwork for future explorations in eco-friendly design and material science.

Lessons Learned and Future Directions

With the first successful model of the Beetle Device printed last December, the next steps involve printing three additional devices and installing them this spring, just in time for the upcoming raspberry season. As we move forward, the journey with ASA filament continues to inspire creativity and resilience, paving the way for even more ambitious projects in sustainable innovation.

What’s New

A total of four Beetle Devices are printed and ready to be employed by the Williams College Community Garden for this upcoming raspberry season in June.

All Four Beetle Devices Ready to Go

Check out Part 1 of the Bug Off! project here: E4 Bug Off Team Project : Mitigating Japanese Beetle Damage