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When it comes to 3D printing clear parts, it’s important to understand the clarity options available to you. Depending on your design requirements, the clarity level can play an integral role in your design review.

Here are some options for 3D printing clear parts to help you make the best material choice for your part. To learn more, check out our Capabilities Guide.

Option 1: VeroClear Unfinished

transparent 3d printed part

Unfinished VeroClear material is more frosty than it is transparent. Its best use is for parts that require some translucency, but not optical clarity.

transparent 3D printed part side view

  • Price: Low

  • Technology: PolyJet  (0.016-0.042 mm layer resolution)

  • Lead Time: 1 day with Rush Production

Option 2: VeroClear Finished

transparent 3D printed part, finished

You can achieve more optical clarity with VeroClear material by finishing it.

To do this, we hand-sand the surface to remove build lines and then finish the surface with a 2-part polyurethane clear coat.

A finished VeroClear part is great for designs that require clarity for functional purposes (e.g., reading a sensor or checking internal component positioning).

transparent 3D printed part, finished, side view

  • Technology: Polyjet (0.016-0.042 layer resolution)

  • Lead Time: 2 day turnaround with Rush Production

Option 3: Acura 60

acura 60 3d printed part

Acura 60 provides the best visual clarity for parts. This material is best suited to mimic glass aesthetically and is great choice when creating packaging or housings that require optimal clarity.

acura 60 3d printed part, side view

  • Technology: SLA (~0.1mm layer resolution)

  • Lead Time: 3 day turnaround with Rush Production

clear 3d printed parts, side viewclear 3d printed parts

Option 4/5: Accura Clearvue (Finished or Unfinished)

Clearvue also has two options; finished and finished. Similarly to Veroclear, you can choose the clear coat option when quoting.

Accura Clearvue with and without clear coat
  • Technology: Stereolithography (SLA) (~0.1 mm layer resolution)
  • Lead Time: 3 day turnaround with Rush Production