Hacking t-glase Test cup (Hollow with 2 bottom layers and 1 perimeter)

thingiverse

Hacking t-glass to make it resemble real glass requires some creative problem-solving skills! I wanted to achieve a level of transparency similar to that of glass optics. T-glass is an excellent starting point for this project, as it's already made with PET, a high-strength polymer used in 3D printing. I noticed that most 3D printed threads are usually hollow and can make objects appear distorted due to zero depth-of-field. To eliminate this effect, I researched various options and discovered that using a clear two-part epoxy would work beautifully. Unfortunately, traditional epoxies often present problems such as bubble formation and lack of self-leveling abilities. This was where XTC-3D from Smooth-On came into play. It has the properties we were looking for: easy to apply, bubble-free, and fast drying times! With a print temperature of around 235°C, XTC-3D coats well on standard PLA settings. As for the thread's effect on depth-of-field, XTC-3D manages to flatten it out like glass does. One interesting thing about using XTC-3D is its behavior during printing - as the layer solidifies and turns white-ish during mixing but applies evenly after application. With this information, I could achieve near-transparent surfaces by reapplying a coat while allowing previously coated sections to dry thoroughly. Now that we've solved this specific challenge in t-glass coating using XTC-3D, I am excited about experimenting further with more complex prints and shapes. This project serves as an excellent stepping stone towards understanding and mastering optics-related applications within 3D printing technology!