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Prusa did a whole article about 3D printing optics some time ago[0]. I've also had good luck coating transparent filaments with epoxy resin to get clear parts.

• MauranKilom 4y ago
  > I've also had good luck coating transparent filaments with epoxy resin to get clear parts. That might work if you only care about "clear", but unless you exactly match the optical properties of the resin and (printed) filament, it will be pretty useless as an optical device.
  • GravitasFailure 4y ago
    True, also the evenness of the surface is a little off without grinding which also limits the usefulness for optics. I just used it a few times when I needed an odd cylinder size that needed to be see through.
• magicalhippo 4y ago
  Was also a video[1] over on the Breaking Taps channel about casting clear epoxy resin to make your own lenses. Results were not perfect but good enough for some uses. Of course, that requires some actual lens elements to make the molds from, but it's something. [1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfAGivG9Koc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfAGivG9Koc
  • GravitasFailure 4y ago
    That's definitely an idea worth trying, though it was mentioned elsewhere on this post that you can 3D print and polish your masters for casting rather than relying on having the lens already. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32588947 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32588947