Printing Lenses on the Form 1+ 3D Printer

Re:Printing Lenses on the Form 1+ 3D Printer by rdw on Wednesday September 24, 2014 @11:53PM (#8365522)

Very impressive stuff, but looking at the models raises a question in my mind. Why do the parts look like they have about an inch of supporting, sprue-like structure beneath them? Wouldn't it be better to have them be closer to the surface so as little material is wasted in the supports as possible?

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Re:Printing Lenses on the Form 1+ 3D Printer by sammermpc on Thursday September 25, 2014 @09:00AM (#8366849)

The supports are necessary, as they are in most 3D printers that aren't using a powder substrate, to hold the part as it's printing in air. The specific distance from the build platform is determined in software, and is a consequence of a variety of factors, having to do with optimizing resin flow around the part, to ensuring adequate adhesion to the build platform.

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Re:Printing Lenses on the Form 1+ 3D Printer by pokpokpok on Thursday September 25, 2014 @12:38AM (#8365651)

sometimes these structures act as heat sinks to ensure even heat dissipation throughout the part and improve conformity

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Re:Printing Lenses on the Form 1+ 3D Printer by Kliment on Thursday September 25, 2014 @01:04AM (#8365716)

This is a photopolymer printer - while the reaction is mildly exothermic, the amount of heat produced is negligible.

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