The Modular Lantern - New Mk3 Medium Size

This is the first release of the Mk3 version of the Modular Lantern. Made for experimenting by ensuring the design is separate to the coloured panel and having many optional different tops and parts to change it's look. Combine this with over 300 inserts released so far.

IMPORTANT: For those not using Bambu slicer / Handy please checkout the Slicing section.

This version is just a bit smaller meaning you can, if you wish print a whole lantern on a single plate! on all Bambu printers except the A1 mini. But note it's super close to the edge of you plate so any finger prints will cause issues with bed adhesion. Personally I avoid the risk and print on less crowded plates.

You can also print 4 inserts easily on a single plate.

Mk3 includes many improvements after a year of learning there are many subtle features that will come to light as you experiment. It maintains backwards compatibility with many of the Mk2 parts, but please note this is a new Medium size. So only Mk2 LED holders and toppers will fit. I've named the 1/8 turn lock in the Mk2 & Mk1 lantern base RLock which will help identify compatible parts.

Keep an eye out for many more parts to come over the following weeks!

To connect the lantern parts I recommend using my new MagFit clip which can be downloaded here it is considerably better than the Mk2 clip and fits where the magnets go. Alternatively you can use 6mm x 4mm diameter magnets or 6mm x 2mm Magnets with the included spacers.

The Core and Base

Print the core and the base. The base has a RLock fitting used by the Mk2 lanterns and clicks into the core with no additional clips. You can then use one of the fittings provided to securely hold a Bambu Tea Light, LED Kit or Bambu RGB Puck.

Inserts

Now print some solid colour inserts They are simply cubes scaled to 80x120x0.6mm and are included in the profile, feel free to adjust the thickness in the slicer using the scale up to 1mm.

This is a core feature of my inserts the colour is separate to the stencil design allowing you to experiment and reuse coloured panels.

Pick your inserts and insert them in front or, if you want a less focused look behind the solid panels.

Spacer

Now use MagFit clips or magnets to secure the spacer on top. this is actually optional, but I feel gives a good balance. You can add an extra one on the bottom if you want a Polaroid look.

Top

Next is the top, there will be more options released very soon, but for now there is my favourite; the straight top.

Topper

These go on top of the top! You can use any of the Mk2 toppers but with magnets only. The print profile here includes a new straight topper which accepts the MagFit clip.

Decorator

Some toppers have something that can go on top of them! I get stuck for words so call these decorators or chimneys. You can choose the Single ball or ring with ball. Use the stronger MagFit clip or if you want extra security glue this part. If it's just decoration then magnets work well too!

Skirt

Finally you can add an optional skirt, it really finishes off the lantern and there are many more to be released soon. Also take a close look at the skirts they can be used upside down, connected together and placed anywhere on the lantern, you can stack lanterns too, start experimenting :-)

Insert Compatibility

I will be going through all the older inserts and noting down if they can be scaled in the slicer to 80x120x1mm and still print ok with a 4mm nozzle. If you wish to try before I get to an insert and note it's compatibility then check in the slicer preview before printing for any thin disconnected parts, you may need a 2mm nozzle. I will where it makes sense and over time update some inserts to remove such thin parts.

Slicing

I really advise you to use the 3mf file even if you open it in a different slicer. It is set up to include negative parts to cut out holes in the bottom of parts and has tested settings, some per model.

For the core you most likely want to include the MagFit connections and possibly the cable exit on it's base but you may decide to have neither and use it upside down with a smooth top. 

Add COAM1_Core_Medium, NEAM1_Negative_BaseConnectors_Medium and NEBM1_Negative_VableExitMedium to your slicer at the same time.

Answer yes to ‘Load these files as a single object with multiple parts?’

Then in object view right click on the parts that start with NE (Negative) and change the part type to Negative. This will cause them to cut a hole in the core.

Other settings:

Wall generator = Arachne

Minimum feature size = 40%

I add ears to the corners of most parts to avoid them lifting during the cooling place.

For the Ring on a ball paint the support on the inside of the top of the ring (overhang only 30%) and enable strong tree supports and brim.

Communicate

I love to hear how people use the lantern and what issues people have or even better ideas. Don't be coy; constructive criticism is very valuable its how I can make this series the best! Thank you.