July 2026 update
I’ve put together a slightly upgraded model of the viewer. The brackets are now printed in one piece, which requires supports, and I’ve tightened up the tolerances throughout. It’s best suited to newer 3D printers, and depending on your printer, you may find lubricating the rings isn’t even necessary. I’m continually developing this design and always looking for feedback, so let me know how it goes for you.
Download the upgraded .STL files
I’m leaving the original version up too, for anyone with access only to an older printer. It only needs minor supports on the brackets, so it’s a more forgiving option if your printer struggles with the tighter tolerances of the upgraded design.
All the components for the thin section viewer can easily be printed on an entry level 3D printer. Three of the components require supports: the two ‘follow brackets’ and the ‘main drive bracket’.
Although is my first foray into 3D printing, if you run into any problems printing the parts, I might be able to help you troubleshoot them.
Download the original .STL files
Here are all the 3D printed parts you will need to build the slide viewer.
Ring gear (x2)
Turn gear
Main drive bracket
Main drive gear
Follow bracket (x2)
Follow gear (x2)
Central follow gear holder (x2)
Central follow gear
Support post (x2)
Connector post (2)
Polariser ring (x2)
Grub screw (x2)
In addition to these parts, you will also find 2 tools, a drive gear with a hex bit hole and a template to cut out the polarisers:
Hex drive gear
Polariser template
Once you’ve printed everything, all that remains is to assemble the viewer!