I possess experience working with all sorts of 3D printers both as a function of my job, and as a hobby. I have printed all sorts of things, from functional SOCOM prototype equipment, to a relay box for automating a box fan. I am familiar with both consumer and industrial grade FDM printing machines, including Dimension, Objet, Prusa and Makerbot brand printers. I have experience working with SLA printing using every form-labs machine to date.
Truly Transparent FDM Printing
Sometimes I set out to achieve the impossible. When someone told me FDM printing can’t produce perfectly clear prints, I agreed that it was difficult, but I proposed it is possible. I have been working on a method with a Prusa 3D printer that can produce optically clear parts, as clear as SLA prints. While there are still kinks to work out, the study has proven that it is possible to create optically transparent prints with the FDM printing processes. Furthermore, my technique does not require extensive post processing. The print you see in the picture is still printing, showing that parts come off the machine perfectly clear.
