3D plastic printing a Luneberg lens ?

[sarabande]

Given that Luneberg lenses are the winners in any radar test, how easy is it to print one, or several , with a metal outer coating ?

Rather like the Cyclops radar reflector but mucho more cheaply.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

A) the chances are that the Luneberg lens is patented, so without a license you can't reproduce it.

B) in any case, most 3d printers are limited to about 300mm², so I can't see it being easy to print parts that are large enough to be useful.

Let us know if these factors can be overcome!

 

[penfold]

That's not really what a patent achieves, in the UK at any rate.

 

[Neeves]

I was under the understanding that a patent denied anyone copying for commercial gain. If Tim wants to make one for himself - then the patent tells him what he needs to make and as long as it is not to be made for financial gain - no problem

Jonathan

 

[davidej]

I had never heard of these so have just consulted Wikipedia. The essence of them seems to be that the refractive index varies across the sphere. How could you do this with 3D printing? Can you even find out the refractive index of the materials you are using?

 

[Slowboat35]

How would you assess it's functionality?
How would you ascertain what materials to use to achieve that?
Wouldn't it be a great deal easier to just buy one that you know will work?

 

[requiem]

The essence of them seems to be that the refractive index varies across the sphere. How could you do this with 3D printing? Can you even find out the refractive index of the materials you are using?

In layers, like an everlasting gobstopper. The trick would be adjusting the refractive index of the materials, or rather the dielectric constant. An interesting idea, some reading here: https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/ha...s_to_control_the_Foam_Dielectric_Constant.pdf

If you can press multiple flat lenses of varying diameters that might be a simpler method of production. Seems like a fun project if you have time on your hands.

How would you assess it's functionality?
How would you ascertain what materials to use to achieve that?
Wouldn't it be a great deal easier to just buy one that you know will work?

Anchor a dinghy, put it on a stick. I'm betting if you find a good way to build it, you might find volunteers to test it depending on region (e.g. plenty of high tech in the area).

I just looked at a few sites, and each one had a "request quote" form. Usually that's a good indicator the price is a bit dear.