3D Printing Saves the Day... and my Bank Account!

Another part an be checked off the list thanks to 3D Printing!

I was scrounging through the Astromech Builders forum, and made my way to the blue prints sections. Of course I had already been through these all before, but there was one item in particular that I felt the need to revisit...

The Radar Eye, which is probably one of the most recognizable features on the R2 unit. Part #1 labeled in the pic below.

Originally, I had planned to make this part out of aluminum, to match the dome. This is one of the most demanded parts, so there is a sponsored Part Run for these, making them readily available, and cheaper than a one-part order!

However,at $125 plus shipping, it would become the second most expensive structural part on the dome, behind only the dome itself. And I don't have an unlimited budget.

So naturally, I thought why can't I 3D print this? I've done with several other parts, it's small enough to be printed, doesn't seem too complicated...

After only a few minutes of searching the forum, I landed to the Wiki page for this part, where someone has already ready the 3D CAD file for this!

Now it was only a matter of setting up the printer and getting it made! I think it turned out amazing!

A few minor defects due to the actual printing process, but other than that, it's spot on!

You can actually seen the fill pattern from the printer, and how it creates the circular surface you see. Imagine the printer going around 1000's of time, building up the part bit by bit.

All ready to go! I was also able to find some cheap lens for the Radar Eye. $1.50 at my local hobby store for these clear plastic ornaments that come in halves. Just need to spray paint one of these black, and we then have all parts for a completed assembly!