Air scoop for Mecaplex canopy window

prusaprinters

This is a replacement air scoop which suits Mecaplex aircraft canopies (like the one on our club's Twin Astir and Hornet gliders). All three STLs can be printed with the same settings: Filament: Transparent PETG. Avoid PLA because it will soften on a hot day. Layer height: 0.1mm Infill: 100% If you have the choice of printing on a textured or a smooth build surface, choose the textured one for printing the window. This is because PETG scratches fairly easily, and the smooth window gets covered in ugly scuff marks in no time, while the textured surface hides this problem completely. I've included the Fusion 360 design file so you can modify this to suit your needs. You can emboss your glider's callsign on the back of the handle! Post-Printing The exterior window part of the air scoop is slightly curved from top to bottom to mimic the curve of the canopy. You can match this curve with the printed window by preparing a disposable cup filled with boiling water, dunking the printed window pane in it for a good 20 seconds to soften it, then bend it by hand. It should retain its new shape after it cools down. Use medium CA (cyanoacrylate) glue to glue the handle to the smaller (inner) side of the printed window. The alignment of these two pieces is important for the window to close properly - marking the right position while the window is fitted to your canopy could be useful (it should be centred, but a little adjustment may be called for). I found that a small file was useful to adjust the fit (PETG files and sands nicely). Category: Automotive