3d printing transparency

crystal reflex transparence

At the cutting edge of innovation, Crystal Reflex® is the post-processing solution that offers transparency unique to your 3D printed, resin or filament parts. Made with the addition of specially developed varnishes, deposited in successive micro-layers and polymerized at room temperature, your parts are ready in less than 30 minutes.

 

Sublimated by a high-end transparency, they reveal intense light plays. 

 

Thanks to the Smoothit, this finishing process is made, implemented in our workshop.

oursons transparents noir et blanc résultant de l'impression 3D et du procédé Crystal Reflex - transparence pièces imprimées 3D
lunettes transparentes crystal reflex

Get transparent 3D printed parts

Transparent 3D printed parts? Yes !

Clear or translucent 3D printing parts are used in different industries: from medical applications to optical lenses and eyeglass frames, to electronics with luminous components and viewports. Without forgetting, of course, prototypes with decorative and artistic renderings or glass consumer products that require visual depth.

 

By seeing inside, the transparent parts also allow to check the design of a mobile assembly and as well as observe the interaction between components by showing internal cavities and details or visualize the flow of liquids and fluids.

Different transparencies for your 3D parts

From clear to transparent, your parts gain in depth

Une pièce imprimée 3D en SLA, FDM ou PolyJet, que ce soit en resin  or  filaments, is never completely transparent because the material is always tinted. To obtain a high-end transparent finish, light must not bounce off the surface. 

On the contrary, it must be refracted on the piece or pass through the material.

The smoother the surface of your parts, the more they will refract the light. These will then allow him to pass through. Refraction occurs when light is transmitted through a material, such as glass or water.

Test by positioning a text behind a translucent 3D printed part. You will see that the light does not refract: the text in the background is blurry and unreadable.

MAGNIFY YOUR PRODUCTS!

And offer them transparency for an exceptional glass effect !

SLA Polyjet FDM - resin and filaments

Make the right choice !

The initial surface condition is fundamental to achieve high quality transparency. 3 technologies allow to print clear or translucent parts.

 

Each has advantages and disadvantages to consider according to your objectives:

  • stereolithography, or SLA,
  • wire deposit or FDM,
  • printing by PolyJet.
 

Note that Polyjet technology allows to mix several colors, different levels of transparency and various physical and mechanical properties in a single piece, which is appreciated for producing complex visual models and prototypes.

The importance of the materials is also to emphasize, you can choose resins whose range offers a great variety just like with filaments, from the classic PETG to the PC or PP.

Crystal Reflex®: 3D printing transparency

Laborious solutions?
Choose Crystal Reflex®

To achieve a high level of transparency one or even several post-processing steps are essential.  Different methods are available, but often they are not adapted!  You have heard about or even tested some of them, such as: sanding, polishing, applying spray varnish or resin deposition.  

 

These operations are complex, time-consuming and therefore costly, unsuitable for the additive manufacturing known for its strengths: creativity, speed and personalization.

 

Step into the modern era and choose Crystal Reflex® ! 

 

Automated surface treatment, implemented with the Smoothit, this process enhances your 3D printed polymer parts by offering them a remarkable transparency to meet the specific needs of post-processing additive manufacturing.

 

So, if you create of a high-end design and want to give it a real look with a transparent aesthetic finish, contact us to test Crystal Reflex®

3D parts surface finishes

Characteristics

Produced exclusively using the Smoothit :

  • transparency,
  • shine & protection,
  • depth,
  • vibrant colors,
  • high performance water, heat, UV,
  • thin deposition thickness: 15 to 50 μ,
  • certified skin contact.

DISCOVER OUR PROCESSES