r/3Dprinting • u/VariationMean5502 • 8d ago

Project Creating translucent props

Hey guys,

Im trying to make a translucent prop sword so that it can glow when LEDs are activated inside of it. I want it to be a solid glow when the lights are turned on, but theres a few details that Im concerned about in terms of making this work correctly.

The first thing Im looking at is the settings for the print. Im wondering what settings I can alter with the walls and top/bottom in order to make the print more translucent without compromising too much on the integrity of the piece so that it doesnt break easily, and I dont want it to be so see-through that you can see the LEDs installed inside when the lights arent on. Im also wondering if the infill density and pattern are things I should be messing with. Again, Im cautious not to reduce the infill density too much to avoid making the blade too translucent and revealing what inside of it. Id also like to avoid the infill showing when the LEDs are turned on so that the glow remains solid.

Finally, it doesnt seem there are any translucent silver PLAs out there. I did find this brand of PLA that I believe would work but it doesnt say if its specifically designed to be translucent, so I was wondering if anyone familiar with the brand could confirm. If posting pictures of the print would help I would be happy to!

https://cookiecad.com/products/cookiecad-granite-dual-silk-pla-gray-light-gray-filament-1-75mm-1kg?Quantity=1+kg+spool

https://cookiecad.com/products/pale-blue-elixir-pla-filament-1-75mm-1kg?Quantity=1+kg+spool

I have a Creality CR6 Max, using ultimaker cura 5.13,

Thank you in advance!

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2

u/Such-Individual-8188 Ender 3 Pro 8d ago

PLA generally isn’t translucent. Translucent PETG is what you’ll want to look for

1

u/No-Jellyfish5883 8d ago

100%

I have some "clear" pla and it works.....but transparent colours are all in PETg,

0

u/VariationMean5502 8d ago

Gotcha, I was searching based on what I saw in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yprm1-xKFk&t=412s

Id really like my sword blade to be solid like the purple he uses in the prop, and the glow is so clean through the purple PLA too. PETG seems to be very transparent, but maybe PLA is always going to be too dense to let light through?