Introduction: Prescription 3D Printed Steampunk Goggles

So you want Steam Punk Goggles, but you have a limited budget and impaired vision? You've come to the right place!

This instructable will cover the sourcing of the lenses and hardware, provides you with the designs (and source files) to 3d print your own frames, and has some instructions for assembly!

Here's what you'll need to get started:

Step 1: Step 1: Procuring Lenses

Buying custom shaped glass for eyesight has become an expensive process. But thanks to Zenni Optical and some easy to disassemble frames, we can correct that problem!

http://www.zennioptical.com/450011-metal-alloy-ful...

Since Zenni is constantly changing their website, don't be surprised if this link doesn't work. But don't fret. Use their search engine to find Frame #450015.

Follow their online process to purchase the glasses. With standard lenses, the cost comes out to around $15 bucks. You'll be asked to provide your prescription information, but it will not be checked with any optometrist, so no need for official documents.

Step 2: Step 2 (Optional) : Make Adjustments to the 3d Model As Desired

A little personalization can go a long way when it comes to showing off your cool new eye-wear. I've included the source files for models in RSDOC format, OBJ format, and STL format. Feel free to use a tool like DesignSpark Mechanical or Blender to tweak the design to your hearts content. Alternatively, just move on and get straight to printing!

Step 3: Step 3: Print the Parts!

If you're looking to go straight to printing, then you'll want to go ahead and slice the STL files in the STL folder of the 3d_model_goggles.zip file. If you've never performed slicing before, check out this instructable:https://www.instructables.com/id/Into-to-3D-Design-...

Once sliced, you can follow your normal 3D printing routine to make the parts. You'll want to print the following:

  1. 1x goggles_body_left
  2. 1x goggles_body_right
  3. 2x goggles_ring

Once printed, you should have the parts you need, as shown in the photo (sorry for the blur).

Step 4: Step 4: Select Your Screws

Depending on the color scheme you're going for, you may want to pick up a different material (steel, for instance) for your screw. I recommend buying Everbilt Round Head Brass #8-32 x 1-1/2 inch machine screws. You can get a 4-pack of the screws Home Depot. If you decide to check out other screws for the implementation, keep to the same sizing.

Step 5: Step 5: Size Your Screws

Obviously nobody wants long screws jabbing into their face, so you'll want to cut them down to size. You can use metal cutters or a strong pair of bolt cutter to work your way through them.

  1. Insert each screw
  2. Use a permanent marker to note the length that protrudes from the face-side of the goggles.
  3. Remove each screw
  4. Cut the screws slightly SHORTER than your marking

Step 6: Step 6: Remove the Lenses

Optional: Before removing the lenses, use a dry erase marker to note the orientation of the lenses. This will make correct orientation of the lenses easier during assembly.

Using a Glasses Repair Kit screwdriver, remove the screws on either side of the frames, as indicated in the photo.

Be sure to handle the lenses using a lens cleaning cloth or similar to prevent scratching of the glass.

Feel free to toss the frames -- You won't be needing them again for this project. Alternatively, hang on to them for use in a Harry Potter costume!

Step 7: Step 7: Assembly

It's time to put things together. Be sure to orient your ring and your goggle body so that the lens will sit pinched between the two.

  1. Assemble ring, lens, and body
  2. Hold to eye to ensure the lens is the correct one for the correct eye (if different prescription per eye)
  3. Hold to eye to align rotation of the lens (if you have an astigmatism or similar). You'll know you've oriented it correctly when the world looks nice and clear ;)
  4. Insert the screws, and tighten till the lens does not rotate freely. If after tightening the screws the lens still rotates freely, use a little duct tape along the inside of the assembly to add some friction points

Step 8: Step 8: Insert Your Nose Strap Material

Cut any flexible material into a strip about an inch long and pass it through both eyelets of the nose section of the goggles. Loop the material back over itself, pinch down, and hold goggles to face to size your loop so that the two sections of the goggle rest at a comfortable distance. Once sized, super glue the loop at the point where the material overlaps.

Step 9: Step 9: the Band

Pass a flexible material (I used elastic band from an old pair of suspenders and kept the length adjustment mechanism in case I wanted to tighten/loosen the length on the fly) through the larger eyelets of the goggles, making a band which will sit across the back of your head. Sizing works the same as it did with the nose piece -- Apply to head, adjust, apply again till fit is good.

After you're happy with the fit of the strap/band, super glue or sew the loop.

Step 10: Step 10 - Wear With Style!!

Go on, put em on! Congrats on making your own set of Prescription Lens 3D Printed Steam Punk Goggles!

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