Tensegrity Lampshade
Introduction: Tensegrity Lampshade
This is the fourth in a series of Tensegrity projects having previously made projects with 3D printing and wood, this time I make use of Acrylic sheet. Previous projects include: Tensegrity Planter & Tensegrity Shelf
This would employ Tensegrity at multiple points on multiple levels to create a Lampshade.
Using eight C suspensions over two levels with shared wires over the two levels to reduce the number of tensioning wires.
Supplies
Acrylic sheet White: 5mm x 160mm x 160mm - Qty 2
Acrylic sheet Black: 5mm x 160mm x 160mm
Acrylic sheet Clear: 5mm x 60mm x 60mm
Acrylic sheet source.
Acrylic Clear Tube: 25mm(Outer dia.) x 21mm(Inner dia.) x 155mm(L)
Brass Wire: 0.4mm diameter
M3 Grub Screws: 3mm - Qty 24
M3 bolts: 16mm - Qty 3
M2 bolts: 4mm - Qty 16
M2 bolts: 20mm - Qty 12
Chrome plated copper pipe 50mm dia. x 155mm (L)
Plastic plant pot 100mm dia. 31
x 80mm (H)
Ready mix cement
Cork mat or felt
Acrylic Adhesive
Multi purpose Adhesive
No affiliation to any of the suppliers used in this project, feel free to use your preferred suppliers and substitute the elements were appropriate to your own preference or subject to supply.
Many of these items are also available at DIY stores.
Tools
Pliers
Cutters
Hole saw 54mm
Hole saw 50mm
Hole saw 38mm
Hole saw 32mm
Saw
Combination square
Marker/Scribe
Compass
Screw drivers
Allen keys
Drill
2mm drill bit
3mm drill bit
15mm masonary drill
Clamps
File
Sanding paper
Circular bubble spirit level
Know your tools and follow the recommended operational procedures and be sure to wear the appropriate PPE.
Step 1: Cutting the Arcs
Using black Acrylic sheet.
Identify the centre of the circle to be cut in the Acrylic sheet and draw a horizontal or vertical line to create 2 equal segments.
Clamp the Acrylic sheet to a sacreficial piece of wood and secure in place.
Using a 38mm hole saw cut out a circle.
With a 54mm hole saw align the centre drill bit into the hole made in the wood by the previous process and carefully cut out an Acrylic ring ring.
Repeat this process for a total of 4 rings
Using a saw cut each ring in half along the remnants of the line.
Repeat this process using white Acrylic sheet.
This will result in 8 black and 8 white arcs.
Note:
From experience I have found that Acrylic sheets have different thermal properties which effect the cutting.
Running the saw at very high speeds can result in the Acrylic sheet melting which can clog and trap the saw.
Step 2: Drilling the Arcs
Each arc requires two holes to be drilled in the perimeter edge close to the vertical cut.
Measure 2.5mm in from the vertical edge and mark with a line across the perimeter.
Measure 2.5mm in on the perimeter edge and draw a line along the perimeter.
Mark at the intersection of the cross.
Supporting the arc in a vice or clamp drill a 2mm hole through the outer perimeter to exit at the inner perimeter.
Repeat at the other end of the arc.
Perform this process on all 16 arcs.
Smooth any rough edges with sanding paper or a file.
Note.
Do not apply too much pressure when drilling the arcs to prevent damage.
Step 3: Platform Markup
Refer to the diagram which shows the relationship between the outer platform and the inner platform which are aligned to enable coincident holes. Although the radius of the outer platform is 63mm whilst the radius of the inner platform is 83mm.
With a 5mm Acrylic sheet of 160mm x 160mm.
The measurements on one platform are used to create the alignment for the other platforms.
A total of 3 platforms are required.
The process is simplified by stacking and clamping the three platforms and using the top platform for drill alignment.
In the finished form the platforms are stacked with the following colour pattern of White, Black & White.
Begin first by marking out the first platform.
Mark the centre of the sheet. (80mm, 80mm)
At the centre with a compass draw a circle with a radius of 63mm. 819