StrainLens Material Stress Viewer

StrainLens is a 3D printable tool that makes internal material stress visible through polarized light, allowing you to see stress patterns and concentrations that are normally invisible to the naked eye. Simply print the model, apply force or load to the transparent material, and view it through the polarized filters to reveal colorful stress patterns that indicate where the material is under tension or compression. Perfect for educational demonstrations, engineering analysis, or anyone curious about how forces affect materials.

Materials needed:

1x Polarising screen A4 210x297mm (cut it out using the template)

3x Socket head cap screw M12x45 

8x Socket head cap screw M6x12

1x Test specimen e.g. Acrylic round rod 15x144mm or Acrylic square rod 10x144mm or simply a ruler max 3cm wide and approx. 98mm long (cut to lenght)

Cutting Instructions for Polarizing Film:

1. Place two sheets of polarizing film on top of each other and rotate one by 90 degrees so that no light passes through. (see GIF)
2. Now hold the sample (acrylic tube, ruler, etc.) in between and rotate it so that light passes through the sample but not through the film.
3. Mark the orientation on both sheets of film.
4. Use the template to cut both sheets of film to the correct size.
5. Peel off the protective film. (Avoid touching the film to prevent fingerprints)
6. Have fun and experiment :D