3D End Cap Printing

[ibraidwo]

I am missing the odd end cap, I am sure others are too... The 2” or 1.25” ends aren't a problem as they are a regular size, but the business ends can be very variable...

Has any one thought about 3D printing replacements? Would they work? Would they be too stiff?

[bingevader]

Nope, can't say it's ever crossed my mind!

but then I don't have access to a 3d printer.

Why don't you give it a go and let us know?

[ibraidwo]

If I had one, I would - it was a hypothetical question :-)

[bingevader]

Oh.

Then in answer to your questions.

Hypothetically, no, possibly, maybe.

Sorry I can't help.

My only thought is whether it would be a financially sensible solution. But I suppose, if they are unavailable otherwise, it might be worth considering.

[Eastridge]

Talking theoretically, I would have thought it was just the sort of thing that 3D printing was designed for.  Quite a simple shape and single colour so even a basic printer would be able to do it.  But low volume as they are quite variable as you say.

As a business model you would buy the design online and download it, then print it off locally either at home or a local print shop ( in the way we once went to a shop to get photocopies done).  Think of all the postage, travel miles, packaging , CO2 etc. saved.    

[Steve-G]

It's not only possible but already being done....

http://www.shapeways.com/model/1119164/fuji-x-mount-double-lens-cap.html?li=productGroup&materialId=62

Ok, so the link above isn't for an eyepiece cap, but you get the idea. I suspect, however, that it would be quite costly for even a very basic single end cap & would probably be cheaper to try & get an original replacement direct from the eyepiece manufacturer. It's still a relatively new technology so I'm sure it will become a less costly process in the near future. I sense a business opportunity here - see you on Dragon's Den 

[faulksy]

If I had one, I would - it was a hypothetical question :-)

are you related to emad ?

[ibraidwo]

Not that i'm aware of...

[Schorhr]

Hello there,

Shapeways has nice machines (SLS, SLA...) that can do stuff typical home FDM/FFF printers using plastic fillament can not do, but the price for parts are higher then the typical DIY prints. 15-30€/12-24gbp per Kilogram ABS or PLA.

There even is rubbery PLA now, so it would really be possible.

Some eypieces I have come with hard plastic caps, and those should definitely be possible to print.

Only things I could find so far is http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8450

and

https://www.thingiverse.com/tag:lens_cap

I allready thought about printing some eyepiece caps as I lost a few. But my printers are currently standing in the school I teach 3d printing at, so I do not get to print as frequently as I used to :-)

I did print a bunch of things for astronomy, camera adapters and such,

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:10897

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:13922

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:19212

...and as soon as I get around to it, I will print some eyepiece covers.

I quickly estimated the printing cost of a bottom cover: 4-5 Cent :-)

Edited May 13, 2014 by Schorhr

[RolandKol]

I printed quite a few covers//caps and even extention rings (not long ones) in PETG  and all are OK.

[Synchronicity]

I've printed several and they are all fine.  Slow print and small layer depth and make sure any rough or loose bits are smoothed down and it's fine.
I recently printed this which fits in the polar scope hole on my NEQ6 Pro and supports my power and data hubs.

 

Michael

[Alien 13]

I like a bit of "class" so I would print any I needed in carbon fibre or wood PLA 😀

Alan