If you need a lens to complete a project, you are likely to find a catalog or an optical device supplier on the Internet and order something. There is no doubt that this is practical, but it is also not in line with the spirit of sports, especially when you can use silicone mold and epoxy resin to cast custom lenses at home.
This is possible, but it is not as easy as [zakari don] said. His custom DIY optical journey began by looking for ways to replicate existing mirrors using carbon fiber and resin using replication technology. While playing the game, he realized that a cheap glass or plastic lens could replace the precision metal mandrel commonly used in this technology. Soon, he made two high-quality lens molds from silicone rubber, enough to be cast several times with epoxy resin. [Zach] encountered some problems in this process, such as correct resin selection, temperature control, mold release agent compatibility, and even dealing with the shrinkage of mold material and resin. But he has achieved some good results, which he shares in the video below.
[Zach] clearly, this is not a real tutorial, but a summary of the highs and lows he experienced when studying these casting methods. Of course, this is not the first time he has cast lenses. We suspect this will be the last time he will cast lenses – something tells us that he will not be able to resist trying this all liquid lens casting method in the laboratory.