Passenger Car Windows

[BCR751]

Is it possible to 3D print clear windows for passenger cars?  I'm not familiar with the process or the availability of materials.

Doug

[robert3985]

I'm in the process of supporting and slicing a UP rotary beacon that has a clear, dyed "globe" insert.

I've had a death in the family, so I won't be getting at this again until the funeral service is over in a week and a half probably since family is coming into town.

However, some new clear resins look promising for "clear" parts, with the caveat that for "clear" prints, rather than merely "translucent" prints, some fiddling with anti-aliasing, layer height, and possible "dipping" into uncured resin, then curing the part without washing it off might be the only way for glass-clear prints.

I'll be finding out more about it in the next coupla weeks, and I'll post my results here.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[nkalanaga]

If you could make windows for the old Rivarossi smoothside Pullman, it would be a nice car.  Even if they're not perfectly clear, as long as the outside is flat and reflective, they would do.  Kato trucks mount easily, after cutting the pickup tabs off, and they even couple at the same distance as Kato cars.

[ridinshotgun]

While you could print it someone I know i using a service out I think in CA that will cut the windows for you from clear plexiglass.  I can't recall the exact name but I'll ask him about it if you are interested?

[nkalanaga]

I'm not, really, as I only have one such car in service.  I added cut-to-fit styrene windows some time ago.

But as many of these as were sold, and as nice as the cars themselves are, I suspect that there are a lot still in service.  If he wanted to post contact information there are probably people here who would be interested.

It might be an interesting test project, though, as it would be an easy set of windows, and if it didn't print well, not much would have been lost.

[Sokramiketes]

I would also suggest pursuing a laser cut acrylic insert, rather than 3D printing. 

[ridinshotgun]

The place that will custom cut window inserts is SendCutSend.

https://sendcutsend.com/materials/

[BCR751]

The place that will custom cut window inserts is SendCutSend.

https://sendcutsend.com/materials/

Thanks for sending that along.  Looking at their website, it appears they do mainly commercial stuff.  I wonder how they would feel about doing something in N-Scale?  I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask 'em.

Doug

[ridinshotgun]

Thanks for sending that along.  Looking at their website, it appears they do mainly commercial stuff.  I wonder how they would feel about doing something in N-Scale?  I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask 'em.

Doug

Like I said they have done window inserts.  Now I don't know how many pieces they had cut but they have no minimum.