Have you ever wanted a lamp that looks like a giant pill?
I did too, so I decided to make one!
If you like it, press the button!
The process was challenging, especially designing the hollow dome. After many tests, I found that printing in vase mode produced the best result. This method creates a seamless lamp shade with a smooth light surface. Using a 0.4mm nozzle at a 0.8mm line width ensured the shade was stable and didn't deform. However, it required slow printing, particularly in the upper regions where the dome closes.
Closing the dome posed a problem, as the printer would end up printing in the air. To solve this, I flipped the shade and printed it upside down. This provided a sturdy base to print a small plug to complete the shade.
The plug at the top is solid, which may seem imperfect, but it was the best solution I could find. I tried various methods to achieve an even wall thickness, but they were inconsistent and resulted in visible failed layers when lit. A solid plug minimized this issue, making the darker spot on top a reasonable trade-off.
The LED kit sits in the middle of the lamp, lighting only the top part. This prevents color spill from the lower part and enhances the brightness of the upper part. The lamp is angled at 10°, shifting the darker spot to the back, making it less noticeable. The bottom has thicker walls for added weight, ensuring the lamp remains stable.
The cover of the shade will likely break—it’s a thin layer. Don't worry. Just use some plastic glue to fix it. Make sure the glue is transparent and melts the plastic to create a strong bond.
I am using UHU Plast Special for this.
https://www.uhu.com/de-de/produkte/uhu-plast-special-blister-30-g-defrit
Enjoy your new lamp!