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Printing a transparent cube  

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Othman
(@othman)
Active Member
Printing a transparent cube

Hello everyone,

I would like to print a transparent 10x10x10 cm cube. I used a transparent PLA filament but the printed cube was actually white, not transparent. My guess is that this is due to the scattering of light inside the cube due to the tiny voids between layers even with 100% fill. I'm thinking of increasing the printing temperature and turning off the layer fan to help fill these voids.

Is it possible to print a transparent cube? If yes, how you do suggest I go about doing this?

Thanks!

 

Napsal : 24/10/2019 4:46 pm
rmm200
(@rmm200)
Noble Member
RE: Printing a transparent cube

Only idea that comes to mind is use a resin printer.

I think the best you are going to achieve with FDM is translucent.

Napsal : 24/10/2019 6:19 pm
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(@)
Illustrious Member
RE: Printing a transparent cube

There is a filament and system out there that promises clarity.  You print something then set it in a chamber that vapor washes the part to melt the surface to a smooth and polished sheen.  It's been mentioned a few times here, but the name of the filament escapes me.  Do a google search for glass filament...

Napsal : 24/10/2019 6:29 pm
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
RE: Printing a transparent cube

For walls, something like Polymaker's Polysmooth filament might work. It prints much like PLA but can be smoothed with isopropyl alcohol. Anything with internal infill is going to be difficult to make transparent.

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Napsal : 24/10/2019 6:34 pm
rmm200
(@rmm200)
Noble Member
RE: Printing a transparent cube

If you do find something that gives good results - post it!

Napsal : 24/10/2019 6:38 pm
Othman
(@othman)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Printing a transparent cube

Thank you all for your replies. It's a shame that there isn't a common way to do this with FSM printers but I'll keep trying and I'll definitely report back if I have success.

 

I tried Polysmooth but as bobstro said it's only for thin walls.

Napsal : 27/10/2019 12:27 am
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
RE: Printing a transparent cube

As long as the printed part has infill, I wouldn't expect to get any real transparency with FFF printing. I have sent some experiments in which epoxy was injected I to an otherwise sparse infill that gave more of a transparent result, but certainly not glass-like.

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Napsal : 27/10/2019 2:11 am
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