Transparent – Clear 3D Printing Services
For over 50 years, Malcolm Nicholls Ltd has specialised in producing virtually optically perfect, transparent prototypes. We combine large-format 3D printing with expert hand-finishing to deliver parts with genuine, glass-like clarity. Whether you need functional lenses, clear housings, or large display models, MNL provides unparalleled quality and precision to accelerate your product development.
UK-based 3D printing company
Over 50 years of expertise
Custom parts delivered in days
Our Transparent 3D Printing Service
Malcolm Nicholls Ltd are experts in transparent 3D printing; with the ability to produce virtually optically clear 3D printing from our SLA machines. We can help you see inside your assembly, and this process is utilised by many of our clients for flow testing and analysis, as well as replicating glass for many designs. Glass-like SLAs can be achieved with MNL not just for lenses and lighting-based components.Â
Imagine building a transparent full-size 3d printed automotive engine with the ability to see what’s going on internally for things such as clashing, interference fit and flow analysis reducing your development process … impressive!Â
Transparent Prototyping and Manufacturing Methods
| Feature | Stereolithography (SLA) – Clear Parts | Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) | Vacuum Casting – Clear Parts |
| Process Type | Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) – UV laser cures liquid photopolymer resin layer-by-layer. | Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) – Extrudes melted thermoplastic filament layer-by-layer. | Low-Volume Manufacturing – Liquid polyurethane resin is poured into a silicone mold under vacuum. |
| Material Type | Photopolymer Resin (Clear/Transparent Resin) | Thermoplastics (e.g., PLA, ABS, Nylon) | Polyurethane Resins (Mimicking production plastics like PMMA/Acrylic, Polycarbonate) |
| Clarity | Can achieve virtually optically perfect (up to 99% transparency) after extensive post-processing. | Translucent to Opaque. Not suitable for optically clear parts; visible layer lines. | Optically Clear and bubble-free, closely replicating production-grade plastics. |
| Max Part Size | Large Format (Up to 800 x 800 x 600mm for seamless prints). | Varies, but generally less suitable for high-quality large clear parts due to surface finish. | Typically for smaller to medium parts, limited by the size of the silicone mold. |
| Volume/Scale | Prototypes (1 to 1000s of parts). Best for one-off/small batch prototypes requiring high detail and clarity. | Prototypes/Functional Parts. Best for quick, low-cost or functional prototypes where aesthetics are secondary. | Small Batch/Low-Volume Production (1 to 1000s of parts). Ideal for functional testing or display replicas. |
| Key Advantage | Finest detail, smoothest surface finish (before post-process), and best base for optical clarity. | Material strength and durability for functional, non-visual engineering parts. Lower cost for basic parts. | High-fidelity replicas of the master model with production-grade material properties. |
Transparent 3D Printing – Typical Applications
The ability to create transparent 3D-printed parts opens up a wide range of applications:
- Housings and Enclosures: Transparent housings for electronics, medical devices, or prototypes allow users to see the internal components. This is useful for design verification, debugging, and aesthetic purposes. Examples include clear cases for small computers or custom housings for sensors and LEDs.
- Bottles and Containers: While 3D-printed bottles are not yet food-safe or suitable for commercial use, they are excellent for creating functional prototypes. Designers can test bottle shapes, volumes, and cap designs quickly and cheaply. 3D printed perfume bottles, or 3D printed bottles for advertising. This is also useful for creating unique, one-off containers for display or specialised non-consumable liquids.
- Medical and Scientific Models: Transparent anatomical models are invaluable for surgical planning and medical education, allowing students and surgeons to visualise organs and blood vessels. Likewise, transparent scientific models, such as fluid dynamics prototypes, help researchers observe internal processes.
- Lighting and Optics: Transparent 3D printing is used to create custom lenses, light guides, and decorative light fixtures. Designers can create complex geometric shapes that are impossible to mold, enabling unique lighting effects and optimized light distribution.
- Prototyping: It’s an indispensable tool for product development. Engineers can rapidly prototype clear components like dashboards, display covers, or windows to test fit and function before investing in expensive tooling for injection molding.
Why Malcolm Nicholls?
UK Based
With headquarters in the Midlands, we can deliver your 3D parts nationally.
Years of Expertise
We are a family run business with decades of experience.
Finished to Perfection
A team of traditional model makers in house to give your 3D print the wow factor.
More Than Just 3D Printing
With our suite of machines and technology we also specialise in low-volume manufacturing, Vacuum Casting, CNC Machining and more.
Finishing options for clear 3D Printed Parts
To create optically clear 3D printed parts, a meticulous process of sanding, polishing, and lacquering is required. However, not every project demands perfect clarity, and the level of finish can be tailored to your specific visual and functional needs.
At Malcolm Nicholls Ltd, our team provide a range of finishing grades to achieve the exact appearance you require:
Produce Multiple 3D Printed Parts
We can produce anything from 1 – 1000’s of parts, with our large capacity of 3D printing technologies, FDM, SLS, SLA and Vaccum Casting methods to name a few.
We Can Help With Large Scale Projects
We have redefined large-format 3D printing with precision assembly. With our massive 800x800x600mm SLA platforms we can churn out huge 3D parts in hours, or a matter of days. If you need a fleet of prototypes or 3D prints, we can produce single large 3D prints to 1000’s of smaller prints. We have conquered volume with breathtaking speed. Experience the future of large-scale 3D printing.
Achieve Optical Perfection: The Malcolm Nicholls Difference in Clear 3D Printed Parts
While Stereolithography (SLA) is an incredible technology for creating clear parts, the reality is that the raw, clear resin print often lacks the high-end visual appearance required for a polished prototype. The moment a part emerges from the resin vat, it may appear clear, but the surface is typically a milky, semi-translucent finish that falls short of true optical transparency.
At Malcolm Nicholls Ltd, we don’t just stop at the 3D print. We leverage our decades of finishing expertise to transform your clear 3D printed parts into a stunning, optically clear final product. Our skilled craftsmen employ a range of specialised techniques, from expert sanding through various grades to precision polishing and lacquering, to achieve a perfectly transparent, glass-like finish.
We understand that not every project requires the same level of clarity. We’ll work with you to understand your specific needs and apply the right finishing techniques to suit your budget and timeline. The examples below demonstrate how we can dramatically improve the standard result, providing a finish that is not only visually superior but also perfectly suited to your prototype or 3D printing requirements.
Large Format Clear 3D Printed Parts
We can produce large transparent 3D printing without the need for sectioning and fabricating back together, by utilising our large format SLA 3D printers. These have impressive build platforms of 800 x 800 x 600mm – perfect for any large format clear 3D printing.
Transparent 3D Printing & Clear Prototyping
At Malcolm Nicholls Ltd (MNL), we don’t just print parts; we deliver finished, high-performance prototypes tailored to your exact specifications. While SLA is the core of our transparent 3D printing, our true advantage lies in our expert finishing team and state-of-the-art, large-format technology. This combination allows us to create seamless, optically clear parts up to 800mm in size in a single build, eliminating the need for bonding smaller sections. Whether you need a full-size automotive engine model or a perfectly clear lens, our process ensures superior quality and flawless aesthetics.
Trusted by Industry Leaders
We have experience creating exceptional 3D printed parts for leaders across various industries. From automotive and aerospace to point of sale and packaging, we can help.
Clear Vacuum Casting: Perfect Replicas with Production-Grade Materials
For projects requiring multiple copies of a master model, we utilise clear vacuum casting. This process uses a durable silicone mold and a variety of polyurethane resins that can mimic the properties of production plastics like PMMA (acrylic) and polycarbonate. The liquid resin is poured into the mold inside a vacuum chamber, which draws out all air, preventing the formation of bubbles and ensuring a perfectly transparent, bubble-free cast. This is an ideal solution for producing small batches of high-fidelity, optically clear parts for functional testing or low-volume production.
Dedicated Project Management for Seamless Success
Get Your Quick & Easy Project Quote Today
Which 3D Printing Service do I need?
Learn more about the different options we offer.
SLA
Stereolithography (SLA) also often referred to as SLA is the most widely used resin 3D printing technology. it is generally considered to provide the greatest accuracy and best surface finish of any prototyping or 3D printing process.
SLS
SLS can build functional parts, casting patterns and tooling inserts from your 3D CAD data. Our HiQ Sinterstation system (SLS 3D Printing machine) represents the future of Instant Manufacturing Technology.
FDM
Manufacturing FDM known as fused deposition modelling is the most widely available form of 3d printing. It is an additive manufacturing technology that selectively deposits molten plastic to build parts layer by layer.
Securing Your 3D Printing Project with an NDA
We understand the sensitivity of your projects and operate with the utmost confidentiality. Strict adherence to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) is ingrained in our company culture. We’re happy to work within your NDA framework and are prepared to sign mutual agreements to ensure your intellectual property remains safeguarded. Trust and transparency are cornerstones of our business, and we’re committed to partnering with you with complete peace of mind.
Order 3D Printed Parts
Getting a quote for your 3D printing project has never been easier. We offer three straightforward options to meet your needs.
Option One – Perfect for those seeking a swift and hassle-free 3D printing quote.
Option Two – If your project requires more than just printing, option two is your go-to choice, where we can provide quotes for CNC machining, surface finishing, vacuum forming, and vacuum casting for your 3D parts.
Option Three – For large, complex, intricate, or multi-part projects, look no further than option three. Give us a call, and our team will be more than happy to assist you in bringing your vision to life.
At Malcolm Nicholls Ltd, we make quoting fast, easy, and simple.
Get in touch
Address
Waterloo Industrial Estate, Waterloo Cres, Bidford-on-Avon, B50 4JH
Call Us
01789 490382
Email Us
quotes@mnl.co.uk