Custom 3D Printed Camera Lens Caps

As a photographer, I’ve always found it frustrating when lens caps go missing or don’t fit perfectly. After losing yet another lens cap, I decided to create custom ones for my Sony cameras using 3D printing. This project combines precise measurements with Bambu Studio’s powerful negative part feature to create personalized lens caps with custom graphics.

The finished custom lens caps with personalized graphics

The Challenge

Creating lens caps requires extreme precision because:

• The cap must fit snugly without being too tight
• The inner diameter needs to match the lens thread exactly
• The cap should be easy to remove but secure enough to stay in place
• The design should prevent light leaks

The Solution

Using Bambu Studio’s negative part feature, I was able to create personalized lens caps by:

1. Creating a base cylinder with the exact outer diameter of the lens
2. Using negative parts to create custom graphics and text
3. Adding a slight taper for easy removal
4. Including a small lip for better grip

Using Bambu Studio’s negative part feature to create custom graphics on the lens caps

Technical Details

Design Process

1. Base Model

   • Created a cylinder with the lens’s outer diameter
   • Added a slight taper (1-2 degrees) for easy removal
   • Included a grip lip for better handling

2. Custom Graphics

   • Used Bambu Studio’s negative part feature to create recessed graphics
   • Created custom text and symbols for each lens
   • Combined multiple negative parts for complex designs
   • Ensured graphics were deep enough to be visible but not too deep to weaken the cap

3. Print Settings

   • Material: PETG for durability and flexibility
   • Layer Height: 0.1mm for crisp graphic details
   • Infill: 100% for maximum strength
   • Print Temperature: 240°C
   • Bed Temperature: 80°C
   • Supports: None needed

The completed lens caps showing the custom graphics and text

Final Thoughts

This project demonstrates how 3D printing can solve everyday problems with custom solutions. The combination of precise measurements and Bambu Studio’s negative part feature allowed me to create lens caps that are both functional and personalized.

The ability to create custom lens caps not only saves money but also gives you the satisfaction of having a perfectly tailored solution for your photography gear. Plus, you can always print more if needed!

For those interested in creating their own lens caps, I recommend:

1. Measuring your lenses carefully
2. Starting with a test print
3. Making small adjustments to the fit
4. Using high-quality PETG for durability
5. Keeping graphic designs simple and bold for best results