This will be a thread to get gaskets created by the community for any flashlight. This is mainly for Convoy since the focus isn’t always fine-tuned, especially when there’s a new batch. I can create them when I can find the time.
For requests you need to provide the following:
• Outer diameter of the base
• Reflector hole diameter
• Thickness where the reflector sits
• Full thickness/height of the gasket (can be helpful)
• Emitter footprint
• Perhaps a photo of the shelf and reflector or a photo of an existing gasket
I’m trying to learn 3D printing, and wonder if the filament printers have enough precision to print these gaskets well? We have 0.4mm diameter filament, which I suspect might be too thick to have reasonable precision. Should I look into SLA printing instead of FFF?
Also: I recall seeing somewhere that you also have a one-piece design for the gaskets, but couldn’t find the thread. If you indeed have such a design, would you put it into this thread? Thank you very much in advance.
An ignorant question: are those gaskets suppose to position the LED better than the original arrangement? For instance, what to expect from using one in 3x21D vs. leaving it alone?
My naive understanding was that positioning the led within the reflector can improve the beam consistency, but that’s a trial and error procedure for each light.
Resin printers are much better, they’re just messy so I’m told. Filament printers are faster for trial and error prints, so better suited for myself. 0.2mm nozzle would be much better, but if I switched to that then I can’t use my carbon fibre filaments without clogs. 0.4mm is good enough for what I need. Easy to swap, but as I mentioned it’s good enough.
I do have one piece gaskets, I just haven’t uploaded them. I’m off on holiday so I can’t do that until I’m back.
Centring just provides a nicer beam profile and throws a little better. Height changes are what changes the focus.
The 3X21D is fine with the default gasket, it’s just not always dead centre and I like to correct that for customers. I sell for a decent profit so I like it to look and perform the best it can. I also have to sand the cell slots because they’re sharp and cut the wraps.
Here you mention carbon fiber filaments; I recall ABS filament being mentioned on thingiverse. Which do you prefer? I’ve heard that PLA softens at around 60 degC, which explains why you switched to the alternatives. I’m worried that a dark filament material would absorb too much light and heat up fast.
I personally use ASA for 100°C softening temp, you need higher temp resistance for some Convoy models. My review of the M21J peaked at 90°C before I switched on a fan. PETG at 70°C should be enough though.
Don’t use any dark filaments, found that out the hard way by destroying a reflector with a smoking gasket lol.