3D-Printed Screw-In Front Lenscaps With Optional QR Code

thingiverse

My design for a 3D-printable screw-in front lenscap has been significantly improved. It's still quick and easy to make, using less than $0.15 worth of materials for a typical size lenscap. This version is more versatile, allowing you to specify the font used for labels and adding up to three lines of text. The new OpenSCAD font support eliminates the need for the Write.scad library. To ensure that the text labels remain right-side-up when screwed into your lens filter thread, I've added a provision to specify a turn (rotation) of the screw thread. This version also integrates the QR code generator, enabling you to imprint a QR code label on the inside of your lenscap. Using a QR code can be beneficial, as it allows you to identify which adapted legacy lens you're using by taking a photo of or including the lenscap whenever you swap lenses. The customizer parameters are well commented, and I've written an Instructable that provides more details, especially about sizing the lenscap. Keep in mind that you don't have to use a QR code; simply set the QR Name to "" to work like the old version of this design. The OpenSCAD file has clearly labeled parameters that can be adjusted using the Customizer or by manual editing of the file. Since there are many possible combinations, I've chosen not to post STL files and instead provided the OpenSCAD source. When printing your lenscap, choose a plastic with a neutral color so it can serve as a color reference. The Rosewill Grey PLA used in this example is close to a neutral gray, but white or gray PLA, or clear T-Glase, are recommended alternatives. Printing issues may arise due to the tight precision constraints on the thread diameter and pitch. PLA tends to work better than ABS because it holds dimensions more consistently over large diameters. A 40% fill rate can also reduce distortion as the parts cool. The printed thread is shallow but sufficient to hold the cap in place. This design is distributed under the GNU-GPL license, which allows for modification and distribution of the code. However, you can remove the QR code generator from the end of the OpenSCAD source without affecting any other functionality.