You can see a great example of this HEX Panels on Engineericly 's YouTube Channel.
I printed mine with 100% size (you see it on the pictures), but next time I would rather use 120% or more, because it makes threading the LEDs easier and bigger things fit into the shelves.
What you need:
LED-Strip (if you want different colors on each cell, use an RGBIC LED Stripe)
Printed Cells in a non-translucent Material
A translucent material for the windows
some clear material for the (Shelf-Lightcap's)
Materials & Colors:
Print the Panels, color and material doesn't matter
Print the Panel-windows in a translucent white, (or in your desired color when you are going to use a simple white Light strip)
Print the Shelf-lightcaps with a transparent or highly translucent Material
Installation:
If you use the reflectors, mount them first.
Arrange the cells like you want it on the wall
Fix them together with clip's and glue.
Make a simple drawing how to manage the LED Stripe.
Fit the LEDs inside (this can be a little annoying)
Add the Light caps on the Shelf.
You should fix at least the cable with some hotglue or somehow else
Put it on a wall
Fit the Windows and enjoy :)
Optional parts:
Holecap - to close the holes on the side.
Light cap - only needed for the shelf, looks like a integrated lightbulb (clear material).
Clip - use them to fix the panels together.
diffuser- print it with clear material
Reflector - if you print the cases in dark colors you should use the reflectors, you will have a much better looking light distribution.
If you have trouble getting an even light, you can print the thicker (diffuser) windows or use the LED diffuser (clear petg/pla). If that doesn't help, fill the inside with clear/white silicone (like this) or cotton wool.
Here you can see how you can wire and control your LEDs, WLED Project:
I ended up scaling the little flat hole plugs in the Y direction only and the little clips in all 3 directions since it didn't really matter. Got some Govee RGBIC 15m light strands in for them. Ran the lights through 3 lights and determined the segment size for each color to be about 12 lights or 26" which works out great. In the end I'll have 15 lights with 1 segment in each (should be able to have each hex it's only individual color). Have 8 done, so 7 more and I'll post a review.
What color/type of PLA did you use for the window portion of the build? I tried a bambu white PLA and it blocks way too much of the light. Maybe I can just decrease the thickness of the pane?
This project was INTENSE, but omg was it worth it. It looks amazing! Took me about 26 hours of printing, and cost about $37.50 including the lights. I ended up just using some prewired Govee RGBIC lights that were on sale for less than $20. Each bulb isn't controllable per se, but instead there are 6 bulb segments that ARE independently controlled. As everyone else stated, the hardest part was wiring them up. If you would like more info on how I personally wired it, message me. Amazing print!!!!
There is an led band from govee in which you can change the led assignments via app (individually addressable leds) it would also work, but is not much less strenuous :D
Gute Idee leider sind die Datein in der Anleitung und im Video andere ich druck es trozdem mal zum testen
Good idea, unfortunately the files in the instructions and in the video are different. I'll print it out anyway to test it
Ja das kann verwirrend sein :) Das Video habe ich nur zufällig gefunden (und mich gefreut es mal bei jemand anderes im einsatz zu sehen :D) , in meiner Beschreibung nutze ich einfach ein LED-Streifen von Govee, über deren app kannst du die einzelnen LEDs adressieren (dank der besch..eidenen app, ist das aber aufwändiger als es klingt). Im Video nutzt er einen ESP32 das bedeutet mehr aufwand beim Einbau, dafür aber einfacheres Programmieren der LEDs und auch das Endergebnis sowie die Erweiterbarkeit sind besser.
Yes that can be confusing :) The video I have found only by chance (and me pleased to see it times with someone else in use :D), in my description I just use a LED strip from Govee, via their app you can address the individual LEDs (because of that crappy app, its more complex than it sounds). In the video he uses an ESP32 that means more effort in the installation, but easier programming of the LEDs and also the end result and the expandability is better.
Can you make a version which is bigger? I need one that is 11cm high (inside). I want to use it to fit my Lego Brickheadz in there 😅. Would be awesome 🙏