Alternative to Slaters

[Adrian Harris]

The M3 and Chieftain are covered in cast parts which have letters, numbers and symbols cast into them.

The usual method to replicate these is to use Slaters plastic alphabet characters, but I wondered if it would be possible to replicate them using a DLP printer.

These letters are 2.81mm tall and 0.5mm thick. The idea was to try and make a sprue from which letters could be selected.

I've had to spray them with grey primer as I'm currently trying out a translucent resin for making tank optics.

They were printed flat to the bed, so the next attempt will be at 45 degrees to see if that helps with the resolution.

I've had better success printing them onto a flat support panel and got that down to 0.2mm thick, with much better resolution on the letters.

However, the problem then becomes getting the part off the supports without destroying it. Still working on that one

At least with DLP you can cover the bed with duplicate parts and it doesn't affect the printing time.

Adrian.

[Michael Röder]

Hello Adrian!

I use the same method for my castings / lettering.

Michael

[Adrian Harris]

Good to know Michael

What size lettering have you managed ?

It looks like yours are also printed flat to the bed. Have you ever tried angling them ?

Adrian.

[Vince Cutajar]

Looks like Michael's lettering is printed on vertical supports so not touching the bed.

Vince

[Adrian Harris]

I should have said parallel to the bed.

Adrian.

[Michael Röder]

The letter size is 2,0 mm, 0,5 mm thick.
They are printed with thin vertical supports. So it is easier to eliminate the supports.
The disadvantage of resin print is that the parts a brittle.
I use a Elegoo Mars Printer.
Greetings from Germany
Michael