New 3D Printing Technology for N scale trains, need opinions

[eric220]

Or clear light pipes.

Holy crap! That would open up a whole new realm of possibilities!

[GP40X]

I would be interested in passenger equipment printed in silver for some custom business train cars.  I only lightly scanned the thread but having crystal clear windows printed, maybe some car core kits for brass/etched car side use and then some custom custom printed shells would be great.  I take it that no Bestine soak is needed with this new process? (like I said, I did not read the entire thread)

[JanesCustomTrain]

I'll keep you all posted about the railroad prints.

Aaaand ?

Jane

[bbussey]

Or clear light pipes.

I second this.  The lack of ability to render clear transparent 3D windows economically is one of the last impediments to creating complete rapid prototype models in the hobby.

[lashedup]

I think I may have a way to create window glass using clear acrylic that I run through a laser cutter to engrave the outside for depth while leaving the gloss top alone to be inserted as the window. Something like this:



If it works then doing a whole side as one cut should be doable.

- Jamie

[peteski]

I think I may have a way to create window glass using clear acrylic that I run through a laser cutter to engrave the outside for depth while leaving the gloss top alone to be inserted as the window. Something like this:



If it works then doing a whole side as one cut should be doable.

- Jamie

If that is doable (and can be engraved deep enough for flush-mounted windows, this would be a perfect solution for flat pane windows (which is majority of windows in railroad equipment).

[Chris333]

But doesn't it just melt and look wavy?

[lashedup]

But doesn't it just melt and look wavy?

Not if you get the power set correctly.  I’ll post samples when I get around to testing it this week. 

[peteski]

Not if you get the power set correctly.  I’ll post samples when I get around to testing it this week.

It probably also depends on the material. From what I have heard, polystyrene is almost impossible to work with on a laser cutter, while acrylic (Plexiglas) is much better.

[Chris333]

I've seen laser etched bricks into plastic so I guess there has to be a way.

[thomasjmdavis]

It probably also depends on the material. From what I have heard, polystyrene is almost impossible to work with on a laser cutter, while acrylic (Plexiglas) is much better.

A few years ago, I had some passenger car sides made for me on a laser cutter, done in polystyrene at my request (they usually used ABS).  It seemed to work fine.  Windows came out just as they did in ABS, or the mechanically cut ones from USP. They also etched in lines for doors (maybe that used other equipment?) Granted, this was in .015 material- thicker material might be more problematic. 

[bbussey]

I think I may have a way to create window glass using clear acrylic that I run through a laser cutter to engrave the outside for depth while leaving the gloss top alone to be inserted as the window. Something like this:



If it works then doing a whole side as one cut should be doable.

I’ve done a similar thing milling clear plastic. It would be easier to be able to be able to rapid-prototype the glass.

[Lemosteam]

I'm still waitin' for the OP to show us some macro photography of his parts, good or bad, of this new tech.  Surely this @orionfield  has received parts by now?

Any progress yet?

[lashedup]

I’ve done a similar thing milling clear plastic. It would be easier to be able to be able to rapid-prototype the glass.

Ideally yes, but current tech makes that tough (although I’ve seen some Perfactory clear hearing aid material that could be passable).

Milling would be no fun.  But the laser would at least be fairly quick.  I’ll give it a shot. 

[thomasjmdavis]

If your process works, you could make a living providing replacement windows for the thousands of old Con-cor and Rivarossi streamlined passenger cars that are out there.  Aside from the fact that the originals are not flush, some of mine are so old they are getting foggy or yellow. And although I don't have any, I understand the new $60 MSRP cars from a manufacturer I won't name in case I am wrong, also have similar, non-flush, window inserts.