FlameDial – Mechanical Dimmable Lamp for MH001
Print Profile(3)
Bill of Materials
Description
A kerosene lamp reimagined — with gears, not wires.
FlameDial is a 3D-printed table lamp inspired by the classic kerosene lantern, reimagined with mechanical dimming. Designed specifically for the Maker Supply MH001 Lamp Kit, this lamp introduces manual brightness control through a fully printed iris mechanism. No electronics, no code — just pure analog satisfaction.
✨ Key Features:
- Mechanical brightness control using a worm gear + iris mechanism
- Designed for MH001 Lamp Kit (plug & play)
- Side knob mimics the feel of adjusting a kerosene lamp flame
- Printed flame core Shades with 0.8mm nozzle, 0.5mm layer height, 30mm/s, vase mode — for maximum clarity
- Hollowed base structure allows light to diffuse downward and brighten the table surface
🛠️ Maker Notes – From Idea to Working Prototype
I designed FlameDial to bring a more tactile and nostalgic interaction to modern LED lighting. But making this idea feel right took quite a bit of testing.
🔩 Mechanical Iris with Worm Gear
The core of the brightness control is a fully printed iris driven by a side knob via worm gear. The challenge was achieving smooth movement without backlash or jamming.
I printed and tested 5 sets of fittings
(yeah... that’s 5 failed prints 😩) — just to get the tolerance and gear movement feeling right.
- Tightened the worm gear to get rid of that annoying slack
- Added a little stopper so it doesn’t over-rotate and break itself
Not gonna lie, it nearly drove me nuts 😂
So if this lamp made you smile, hit that Boost button and make my pain worth it! 🙏
Every boost = one less tear from failed test prints 🥲🖨️
The final result offers precise and satisfying control — with the feel of real hardware.
🕯️ Optimizing Light Diffusion
The flame core had to glow clearly, not just glow. Using a standard 0.4mm nozzle gave poor transparency, so I went all in with:
- 0.8mm nozzle
- 0.5mm layer height
- 25mm/s speed
vase mode (spiralized outer contour)
!! PLEASE TAKE NOTE that first print profile cannot include vase mode in one .3mf file so if u want to achieve shiny transparent outer surface please print the 2nd print profile with vase mode !!
The result is a significantly clearer light dome. — you can see the difference instantly.
🌐 Reworking the Base
Initially, the base was solid. But during testing I realized the upward light was too limited. So I reworked the base with intentional cutouts, letting more light spill downward. The lamp feels brighter and the ambient glow more complete.
Why FlameDial?
The MH001 Lamp Kit is great — but only has a simple on/off switch. FlameDial gives it analog dimming without needing electronics. If you’ve ever wished your 3D-printed lamp could feel like the old days — this is for you.
🙌 Support & Follow:
👍 If you like the idea, please give it a BOOST!
Boost Me (for free)
🔧 Love mechanical lighting?
Download FlameDial, print it, and feel the glow adjust under your fingertips.
🔁 Boost if you like it &
🔔 Follow for more analog dimming lamps — this is just the beginning of the Flame Series.
🆕 [V2 Update] Improved Dimmer Knob Uploaded in new print profile
Upgraded the knob with direction markings so you’ll always know which way to twist, and rounded the edges for a smoother feel (my finger actually started swelling from spinning the old one too much 😅).
my other work :
Documentation (1)
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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