How to design parabolic, hyperbolic, elliptical reflectors for 3D printing

Re:How to design parabolic, hyperbolic, elliptical reflector... by duke360 on Saturday July 30, 2016 @11:49AM (#12193453)

ok for the 3d printing of the "structure" but then how to make it reflective? do you use regular allumination chamber or what technique ? which precision you can achieve to validate the prototype ?

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Re:How to design parabolic, hyperbolic, elliptical reflector... by noonespecial on Saturday July 30, 2016 @03:16PM (#12194281)

I've had outstanding luck with this paint (1).

Print your model in ABS. Smooth it by putting it in a paint can on a little stand with some acetone soaked rags below for about 1/2 hour. Paint with some of this paint. You will be amazed.

(1) https://www.amazon.com/Krylon-1010A-Premium-Metalic-Original...

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Re:How to design parabolic, hyperbolic, elliptical reflector... by lutorm on Saturday July 30, 2016 @01:50PM (#12193915)

Obviously it's for a metal 3d printer...

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Re:How to design parabolic, hyperbolic, elliptical reflector... by AlexTes on Saturday July 30, 2016 @02:03PM (#12193969)

I don't think so. The cost would be extremely prohibitive. It would be far cheaper to print it in plastic and then add some reflectie coating.

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Re:How to design parabolic, hyperbolic, elliptical reflector... by sgnelson on Saturday July 30, 2016 @11:34PM (#12195628)

Most metal 3d printers simply don't have the surface finish to make this feasible, never mind cost (it'd be ridiculous).

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Re:How to design parabolic, hyperbolic, elliptical reflector... by lutorm on Sunday July 31, 2016 @12:28AM (#12195739)

I guess i should have added a ;-).

Although the laser sintering printer downstairs produces quite nice surface finishes. Not good enough for an optical mirror, but definitely good enough for mm-wave antennas.

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