Design and 3D Print a Modern and Cozy Reading Light!
Introduction: Design and 3D Print a Modern and Cozy Reading Light!
This mesmerizing, 3D printed light fixture is made around a pendant light cord and Edison light bulb.
It includes a fully functional, 3D printed ball and socket mount!
In this Instructable, I'll take you through the entire design process in Fusion 360, as well as the 3D printing and assembly process!
You can also purchase the STL files on my website and skip right to the printing and assembly.
Make sure to check out the full design/build video here!
Alright, let's get started!
Supplies
STL Files - https://morleykert.com/shop/3d-printed-light-fixtu...
3D Printer (I have a Prusa i3 MK3S)
Pendant Light Cord Kit with fabric-wrapped cord - https://amzn.to/2PdmLk1
Vintage-style LED Light Bulb - https://amzn.to/33cqC9e
Calipers (These are super handy thing for designing all sorts of 3D printed items!) - https://amzn.to/3hRfH92
White PLA Filament - https://amzn.to/2XTl7IB
120 grit sandpaper - https://amzn.to/3nPNguQ
Gel Superglue - https://amzn.to/3oUDKrK
Four (4) M3x20 screws and Four (4) M3nS square nuts to assemble the ball joint mount. I got these from the spare part kit that came with my 3D printer, but you can also get them at the following links:
M3x20 Screws -https://amzn.to/3nVLA2Q
M3nS Square Nuts - https://amzn.to/39HM9Zc
5-minute epoxy - https://amzn.to/38VdBn9
Needle nose Pliers - https://amzn.to/2N8VdhW
Clamp - https://amzn.to/3ir1t05
2 wood screws (for mounting to wall) - https://amzn.to/3oRY50J
Stud finder - https://amzn.to/38VmYTG
Drill/Driver (for mounting to wall) - https://amzn.to/38Cjbbj
Allen keys - https://amzn.to/3qvP65D
Note: Some of the above links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional
cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Step 1: Measure Real-World Components and Import Dimensions As User Parameters
Before doing any 3D modeling, the first step is to take some measurements!
I used my dial calipers to measure the pendant light cord kit, lightbulb and hardware.
Then, I inputted all of these measurements into Fusion 360 as User Parameters.
This will make it really easy to model the light fixture around existing components, and change dimensions if necessary!
Step 2: Model Socket and Lightbulb
After inputting all of the dimensions, modelling the socket assembly and lightbulb was a simple process!
These bodies didn't have to be incredibly detailed - I just used them to size the light fixture and get a sense of what the finished piece would look like.
The socket is a simple cylinder, with one end filleted. 858
I represented the cord attachment by lofting between two circles.
To model the lightbulb, I sketched one half of its profile and then revolved it around a center axis. The most important dimension here is the total length of the lightbulb and socket - I wanted to make sure that the lightbulb wouldn't stick out of the bottom of the lampshade.
Step 3: Create Lampshade Profile
Now we can draw the lampshade profile around the socket assembly.
First, create a construction plane through the center of the lightbulb, cutting through it the "hotdog" way.
I used fit-point-splines to sketch one half of the profile for the inside edge of the lampshade. I made sure to place the sketch inside the screw-on rings, as these are what I will use to hold the lampshade on the socket assembly.
The great part about splines is you can play with the control points and modify the curve to your heart's content! 276