Can Any 3D Print Gurus Help?

[Jamison C]

Hey guys, is there anyone that could 3D print clear pieces for me? I would pay obviously.

Years ago, one of the chandeliers in our church fell and broke a lot of the crystal. I have been unable to find anything that would match, especially at a reasonable rate. We would like to fix it, but if I can’t get new pieces that don’t cost the price of a new unit, it won’t be worth fixing.

I’m attaching photos of what I need. There are two separate designs used. I could always send the pieces out for measurements, scans, etc. Is there anyone here that could help?

 

[DuckNut]

Being plastic (at least that is what I gather) it would probably be cheaper to replace. If glass, there is a guy in Ft. Lauderdale who has a repair business and works on stupid expensive stuff but would help you out.

I duck hunted a few times with him but his name escapes me at the moment.

 

[Jamison C]

I appreciate that. If it comes to mine let me know.

was hoping I could just do the glass pieces as plastic to cut down on cost. Having glass made here would realistically run $80-$100 a piece. Might as well buy a new chandelier at that price, but they don’t make them anymore.

 

[Mike_H]

you won't be able to 3d print crystal clear like that, unfortunately. At least, I've not run into material to do that. You might be able to use some woodworking tools and clear acrylic stock to make them though. Would require a lot of finishing work (sanding and Polishing) but it may work. Also, check into a local plastic extrusion place. Its a very simple extrusion, you might be able to buy many feet of it for a couple hundred bucks.

 

[Mike_H]

Another Thought...I don't have this style printer, but if you can find a guy (or gal) with a resin style printer, that may print clear. Its a different layering technology than the FDM style that most people have. They generally are not as large format as the FDM, but they have better resolution and because its a light or laser cure, you don't have the layer lines like you do in FDM.

 

[rasband]

Another Thought...I don't have this style printer, but if you can find a guy (or gal) with a resin style printer, that may print clear. Its a different layering technology than the FDM style that most people have. They generally are not as large format as the FDM, but they have better resolution and because its a light or laser cure, you don't have the layer lines like you do in FDM.

I've not been able to get anything that clear out of mine, but mine is pretty old. Id upgrade but I rarely use resin.

You could maybe get close laser cutting acrylic and using the fancy acrylic glue, but it won't be quite perfect (especially the angles on the edges unless you do some really fine finishing) though maybe passable for those not looking for differences.

I could probably toss one in my laser to see how it looks cut out without the post processing/finishing work.

 

[YJBrian]

Clarity will be an issue with any type of 3D printing. FDM is tough due to the layers, SLA will also be difficult as the pers need to be supported while printing. Perhaps supports along an edge would hide some of the imperfections, but I would also be concerned about the durability of these parts. I will try to pose a few photos of SLA parts in a cheaper clear resin today. Generally, if you want something really clear, there is a lot of post processing, sanding to smooth and clear coat to get the clarity and shine. I'm not sure that the cost with lots of hand work would make it worth it.

Other ways as other have suggested would be perhaps laser cut acrylic if you can live with flat parts or perhaps resin cast parts so that the manual work only needs to be done on master parts before casing replicates.

 

[DuckNut]

Just remembered.

This is a fishing lure making forum. I am sure you could find someone who could cast these pieces out of clear resin for you. You would have to send the pieces to be duplicated so the can make a mold. Use the forum to find guys whou do good work and ask them.

https://alumilite.freeforums.net/board/4/molding-casting

 

[DuckNut]

Try this place

https://mcgillswarehouse.com/glass-bevel-square-rectangle