3DLabPrint Corsair 1/12 fully transparent canopy "molding tool"

thingiverse

I create a "molding" tool to build a fully transparent canopy for the 3DLabPrint 1/12 Corsair - using heat to shrink a PET bottle. Based on the original 1/12 Corsair canopy shape, I'm able to make a fully transparent canopy without needing any vacuum forming equipment. Steps I take to make a transparent cockpit: 1.) Print the "molding tool" (= tool) in vaze mode with a few layers of solid bottom. It should be watertight. 2.) Mix plaster just enough to fill the tool completely, and mix it quickly before moving on to the next step. 3.) Fill the tool with fluid plaster mix, then place it into water so that only the top part is above water. The external pressure can help prevent distortion of the tool due to internal pressure from the still fluid plaster mix inside. 4.) Wait until it solidifies completely. 5.) Take a PET bottle large enough and without ribs on the side (or very small ones). 6.) Cut off the top and bottom parts of the bottle, then stretch it over the tool. 7.) Use a heat gun to carefully shrink the bottle onto the tool. A little oil or butter can help reduce friction and prevent sticking to the tool. 8.) Remove the shrunk and formed piece, then cut it to its final shape. 9.) Enjoy my nice-looking canopy! Some experimenting might be necessary with heating and shrinking the bottle, but it works well in the end.