Attachable macro lens for Thermal Master P1 thermal camera

Warning! 

You are obtaining and performing this project entirely at your own risk; ZnSe (zinc selenide) is a toxic material that poses serious health hazards through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, and the project creator assumes no liability for any injury, illness, or other consequences resulting from its handling or use.

I am not a chemist. To protect myself I was using nitrile groves and ESD tweezers.

Description:

This project is a cheap and easy way of adding macro capability by using inexpensive CO₂ laser lenses with the most affordable thermal camera module on the market – the Thermal Master P1. This project consists of 3 models: the adapter (in 2 versions) and the lens holder (more on that [Later]). The basic version of the adapter has more threads and was made so that the focus can be adjustable, though testing showed that it barely has an impact on focus – if at all (using a 38.1 mm focal length lens). Therefore, the "flat" version was created; it does not offer as much adjustment but fits way more easily into the original pouch. [Later] This project uses a modular approach that allows easier printing and also leaves the possibility of having more than one macro lens to choose from.

At this point I would want to thank Project 326 YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@project-326) for making very unique and really cool videos. This project is inspired by his really great video titled "Easy Peasy DIY Thermal Camera Microscope" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5DLgJyDzIk).

Lens used:

Lens holder is made to fit cheap (~20PLN or ~5EUR), ZnSe (!), ϕ12mm, 2mm thickness, CO₂ laser lenses. I used this one with 38.1mm focal length: aliexpress.com/item/1005004054521261.html

Printing parameters and comments:

• layer height: 0.08mm,

• material: PET-G (its more flexible than PLA which might break during attachment),

• wall count: 4,

• infill: any (I used 15% - Cross Hatch),

• wall generator: Arachne,

• nozzle: 0.4mm

• seam: random,

• if possible - try to set no travel movements above lens,

• supports: painted - look at photo below (green areas).

Fig. 1 Bottom view.

Fig. 2 Angled bottom view.

   Print both the adapter and the lens holder separately. This is necessary because, when slicing the lens adapter, you need to insert a "pause at layer" (or similar command, depending on your slicer) at the 82nd layer (6.56 mm height) - right before the layer that would close the opening for the lens. Lens holder should be printed flat, with the thread at the top.
   During printing, when the printer reaches that layer and pauses, insert the lens into the model, then resume/continue printing on the printer.

Usage:

Fig. 3 Mounting/dismounting animation.

To attach adapter to camera module:
    1. Fit one side of camera module inside adapter aligning the 3 bumps inside adapter with 3 grooves at the side of camera module.
    2. At the other side only align same bumps and grooves and then push this second side on camera module. It should snap in place.

To remove adapter from camera module:
    Reverse the process.

To attach lens holder:
    Screw lens holder on the outside of the adapter all the way in.

Entire holder should fit in original case:

Fig. 4 Adapter and lens holder in original case.