A new method for windows

[PiperguyUMD]

This afternoon I was cleaning up the 3d printer after printing a few items with clear resin. Currently I have a WM chop nose GP7 on the bench that has a giant single pane cyclops of a windshield.  I've been trying to figure out how to make the "glass" for this model for some time. I had tried 3d printing an insert with clear resin, but the striations from the print are too noticeable for something like a large window. So as I cured the residual resin on my gloves and paper funnel it dawned on me. What if I could draw the resin across the opening - like when using MicroScale Kristal Klear - then cure it in my print curing station. I have about a half dozen cabs that were incorrectly scaled, so off to practice.

First attempt was an epic failure. The resin is too thin to work like the Kristal Klear.

Second attempt.

1)Create a dam behind the window with painters tape.



2) Using a sewing needle, carefully add clear resin a few drops at a time until the surface of the tape is covered, then cure this layer of resin
3) Repeat adding layers, curing between each layer until window is flush, adding a few drops in the center of the pane on the final layer to prevent a concave surface.







I'm really pleased with this! My biggest mistake was cutting the tape on my dirty work bench, which transferred metal filings into the windshield. Tomorrow I'll try the side windows and number boards.

[Mark5]

Looks promising. 1) What type of resin are you using? 2) did you just peel the masking tape off?

Thanks!

Mark

[PiperguyUMD]

Looks promising. 1) What type of resin are you using? 2) did you just peel the masking tape off?

Thanks!

Mark

Anycubic’s clear resin. The tape pulled of cleanly. I did set the cab back under the UV light after removing the tape to make sure both sides were cured.

[nickelplate759]

What will you do when you want to paint the cab?  Or are you planning to add the resin after painting?

[wazzou]

I wonder if the resin is thin enough to use a syringe?
When I was pretty actively resin casting, I did make use of a syringe frequently.

[wm3798]

The brass etchings that @Chris333  made for me were properly thin, so a slip of clear acetate did the trick.


On an earlier iteration, where I hacked up an Atlas shell, I used the windscreen from a Life Like GP20,



That gave me a crisp frame plus windshield wipers!

Lee

[narrowminded]

I wonder if the resin is thin enough to use a syringe?

Yes, it is.  Blunt needles are available from very fine (.020"?) up through some pretty heavy.  .020" and likely even less could be pulled and pushed.

[PiperguyUMD]

A syringe would make this a lot easier. Where can you get them?

[wazzou]

I used veterinary syringes...think large animal. 
I probably still have some but from memory they were probably 1" in Diameter and 4" in length.

[wm3798]

I used veterinary syringes...think large animal. 
I probably still have some but from memory they were probably 1" in Diameter and 4" in length.

I'm glad you're not my dentist!

[Simon D.]

Presumably this technique would work with any clear casting resin as well?

[wazzou]

I'm glad you're not my dentist!

No needle, just the syringe, lol.

[PiperguyUMD]

Presumably this technique would work with any clear casting resin as well?

I would think so. The one advantage to the UV sensitive resin is that the cure time is very short, which makes it easier to be accurate. What’s the working time of the casting resin?

[narrowminded]

A syringe would make this a lot easier. Where can you get them?

Send me a PM with address.  I'll get you a couple to try out.

[wazzou]

I dug them out.  The one with the bent plastic tip I think would be best for your use.