Aug 7, 2015 | By Simon
When it comes to creating modular designs, it’s no surprise that a number of designers turn to the hexagonal ‘hive’ shape that can easily be expanded. The shape, which reminds many of a beehive, has been used to create everything from modular shelving systems to desktop organization systems. Now, thanks to one clever designer, you can 3D print and build your very own solar powered lamp, too.
“The idea was to create a lamp dedicated to the beauty of randomness, so the shape and the glowing pattern are randomized,” explains designer Christoph Queck, who designed his Hive Lamp as a part of the Thingiverse Light it Up Challenge. Queck took home the first prize for designing and 3D printing a fully customizable random parametric "bee hive" LED lamp.
The lamp, which is powered by LED lights, is fully customizable and it optionally solar powered via a mounted solar cell. According to Queck, the lamp is powered by “a 4 - 12 V; like a "normal" LED lamp or as a solar powered outdoor night lamp that recharges during the day and glows in random patterns during the night in a specified time frame.”
As for the build itself, all of the body parts are able to be 3D printed and the only other components - the electronics - cost less than $25 at most retailers.
Perhaps the best part about the lamp design though, is that users can customize it themselves using OpenSCAD or the Thingiverse Customizer to change the design parameters according to their needs. Once the design has been adjusted to their preferences, it’s as simple as hitting “print”.
Although basic soldering skills and Arduino experience are recommended, ‘3ddruckqueck’ has also included an in-depth build tutorial for users once they have finalized their hive design.
As for assembling all of the final and sourced pieces, the process begins by snapping together the 3D printed components and installing the LEDs to create the individual lighting modules. Once this has been completed, the modules are connected with wire and attached to the Arduino. Once the hardware components have been attached, a pre-made sketch is uploaded to the Arduino and - depending on if a user wants the lamp to be solar powered or not - operational adjustments are made and the lamp is ready for use!
Thankfully, Queck has also included some tips for users who may want to build an outdoor solar light - including covering the finished lamp build with silicone as well as where to place the lamp to receive the most amount of solar energy.
If you’ve been looking for a useful 3D printing project that also teaches basic Arduino skills, it’s hard to disagree that this is one of the finest projects that we’ve seen in recent memory.
To find out more about customizing your hive design, sourcing additional components and the full build instructions, be sure to head over to the “Solar Hive” project page on Thingiverse.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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