ZGlass - Best options for transparency

Zortrax M200 General Discussion
#1

Hi All. I am trying to print some small (40mmx40mmx2.5mm) disks. I need them to be fairly transparent. What would be the best ZSuite settings for this? From my initial tests it seems as though it's not possible. I have tried various levels of infill, various top and bottom layer settings, etc. But I get nothing that could be considered transparent enough to what I would like. I feel as though printing on a raft is partly the reason for the material no being transparent enough ie. Peeling it off the raft leaves a rough opac surface. Very keen to hear if anyone has had much success with Z-Glass and if it's possible to get better results. Thanks all.

#2

now that you have the option to reduce printing temp, you could also give this a try (I printed it at 235°):

http://forum.zortrax.com/index.php?/topic/2410-very-transparent-abs/?p=27012

Edit: getting the raft surface transparent is probably a challenge, you could try to print it upright (resulting in less part strength)

#3

You may try XTC 3D coating

1324373_orig.jpg

#4

You may try XTC 3D coating

this has been proven to get no long term satisfying results (fast aging, get's yellow) by many users, including me.

#5

this has been proven to get no long term satisfying results (fast aging, get's yellow) by many users, including me.

noted, didint mean to misguide anyone :) 

#6

noted, didint mean to misguide anyone :)

of course not.

All that users (including me) were eager to get this new magic material in their hands because the results look amazing good.

#7

Thanks to both of you for the quick replies .

countdigit - I will try printing the object on it's side....I dont think I can use it that way, but I'd like to see if it looks more transparent anyway.

#8

I have used this resin in the past for smoothing a model : http://www.easycomposites.co.uk/#!/resin-gel-silicone-adhesive/epoxy-resin/epoxy-coating-resin.html

Although you need to build lots of thin layers, and I'm not sure how it compares to XTC in terms of ease of use and longevity of clarity etc. 

#9

Thank you Printz. The customer changed his mind on the material after seeing the above image. But I will look into XTC for future reference. Thanks again.

#10

I use a tiny (cigarette lighter powered) butane torch to smooth the rough surface on other plastics when I peel them off the raft, maybe that would help with the Z-Glass?

Got the Glass, cuz I got every material, but have to say that's the one that I used once and put back into storage.  Not very clear or transparent at all...