Contents
Introduction
The Stereoscope has multiple 3D printed pieces which are then combined with off-the-shelf parts like mirrors and screws. There are also tools used when cutting the mirror glass that will be printed as well. These 3D printed parts must be manufactured first before assembly can be attempted. Each of the sections below gives instructions on how to obtain and print the collection of parts.
Step 1: Obtain STL Files
The STL files required to print the stereoscope's parts can be downloaded here.
Step 2: Print the Parts
- base.stl - This is the body of the stereoscope that all other parts fit into or attach to. The base does have angled sides, but the angles are greater than 45 degrees and so no supports should be required. There is a mounting flange on the bottom face that should be positioned on the build plate, and which should help keep the base from lifting off the build plate during printing.
- center_piece.stl - This part is used to hold the front of the stereoscope in place relative to the base, and can help hold the inner mirrors in place as well.
- front_cover.stl - Cover that blocks out stray light and can help hold mirrors in place.
- hc200_centered_shim.stl - This is the adapter that fits between the stereoscope and the camera the stereoscope is being adapted to. This will vary depending on the camera used and the use case, but a sample shim for a Victure HC200 is included.
The slicer software and settings used are left to the user, but some print settings used to print prototypes are given below for reference.
- Material - PETG (PLA should work fine as well, but will not be as durable)
- Layer height - 0.15 mm
- Infill - 20%
- Brim - Yes
- Perimeters - 2 (4 will add strength)
- Supports - None (except the front_cover.stl and hc200_centered_shim.stl parts)
It is necessary to cut the inside mirrors to the correct size, and 3D-printable tools have been provided to help the user do that more easily. Those tools are listed below. Safety precautions must be observed when working with glass, especially when cutting and breaking it. Adding supports on mirror_cut_jig_50mm_inside.stl is recommended, but should not be necessary for the mirror_break_50mm_inside.stl. The same settings used to print the parts can be used for the tools.
- mirror_cut_jig_50mm_inside.stl - This jig has a channel to guide a glass cutter so that it is easier to get an accurate and straight cut. The inside mirrors needs to be very close to their specified length to avoid a hall-of-mirrors effect where the inside and outside mirrors overlap.
- mirror_break_50mm_inside.stl - This mirror break is designed to be used after the mirror glass has been scored with the glass cutter and jig. The break allows even pressure along the score line.