PLA Opacity Tool

Finding truly opaque PLA for photographic / camera applications has proven difficult. Many black PLA formulations are translucent at best, even when printed at 100% infill.

The sample photographs were fogged by translucent PLA, and light shining through the shutter (typically the thinnest part of the camera).

In a quest to find the best (and most affordable) opaque black PLA, I offer this simple tool.

Print at 0.25 mm layer height. Each layer from the center outwards increases from 0.25 to 1.25mm thickness. I have found for 3D printing cameras a minimum opacity through 1mm thickness in required.

This tool is designed to be held up to a standard incandescent 60W lightbulb. Don't let it touch! -- It will likely stick and melt.

I use a [70 lumen LED flashlight](http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.aspx/productId/13732/Streamlight-ProTac-1AA) as my standard light source. My benchmark is ZERO light transmission.

I have had good results with Shaxon and Makergee