Optically Clear FDM Printing

Abstract

3D printers are becoming increasingly common in homes and libraries across the country. With it comes a desire to make something, but little direction about what to make. A large percentage of the US population wears glasses, so a project which allows people to 3D print their own glasses would be both meaningful and practical if it can be done using easy-to-learn skills. While there is a single documented example of producing a 3D printed lens with some post-processing, that used SLA printer, which is currently less common, especially amongst individuals. I set out to determine whether this process could be amended for FDM 3D printing or if there is another way to make optically clear lenses with an FDM printer. I discovered that the other traditional smoothing techniques were not sufficient to create a clear surface, but resin coating could result in a fully transparent object. However, further research is needed to determine whether a specific focus can be repeatably created using this method, and it would still require a substantial time investment on the part of the potential user. This makes it a poor early-learning project, but leaves open the potential value to more advanced makers.