Aug 27, 2015 | By Simon
Ever since the 3Doodler 3D Printing Pen first launched on Kickstarter in February of 2013, everybody from professional artists to young ‘artists-in-training’ have been finding a myriad of uses for the unique pen.
While one could seemingly produce anything in three dimensions however, there have been relatively few objects that could actually be considered ‘product designs’ - partially due to the natural capabilities of the pen.
More recently however, 3Doodler expert Grace Du Prez has created a collection of lampshades using the 3Doodler in combination with a handful of household items. Better yet - she’s even shared the instructions on how to make your own ‘3D printed lampshade’ using simple step-by-step instructions.
Curious? Here’s how it’s made:
Starting with a simple rectangle template that’s 3 inches long and 1/3 of an inch wide, begin by tracing and filling the rectangle template using the 3Doodler. Repeat this step until 20-40 rectangles of the same size have been created, however depending on the lampshade size, this quantity may be more or less. Once the rectangles have been created, locate a hairdryer and a wood spoon.
Once the hairdryer and wood spoon have been located, carefully balance the newly-doodled rectangles over the handle of the spoon and gently heat the rectangle until it feels softened (approximately 10-15 seconds). While the rectangle is still pliable, bend and roll it around the handle of the spoon so that the two short ends of the rectangle are close together. The resulting shape should resemble a teardrop. Once removed, these pieces should be set aside and allowed to be hardened back to room temperature.
Once this process has been repeated for all of the rectangles, you can then begin the process of attaching the resulting teardrop shapes together along the frame of the lampshade.
To do this, ensure that the lampshade has been detached from the frame and begin attaching each of the teardrop shapes together using the 3Doodler - being careful to follow the contours of the lampshade design. Continue this process until you have made a full revolution around the ring of the lampshade. To ensure that the connections are sturdy, more plastic can be added to the joints between each of the pieces on the backside (interior).
Finally, once all of the rings have been completed, the first ring can be slid onto the lampshade and PLA plastic can be used to secure it and the subsequent lampshades to the fabric. According to Grace, you don't need to individually attach each ring to the others or to the fabric, as they are quite snug and should stay in place.
Additionally, you can also swivel each ring around in order to find the best placement amongst the other rings in terms of shape and color. Once all of the rings have been stacked, the lampshade is ready to be used!
Although not everybody may have a 3Doodler compared to more conventional 3D printers, this is nonetheless one of the best projects we’ve seen yet using the original innovative 3D Printing pen.
To find out more about the project and the 3Doodler itself, be sure to head over to the company's 3Doodler PowerDoodler Activity page.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
Maybe you also like:
- 3D Printed '28 Geared Cube' runs autonomously now
- Free your hands with Burger King's 3D printed Whopper holder
- Documentary: I 3D Printed a Gun
- Mechwarrior fan created his own 3D printed posable Atlas
- 3D printed Halo Combat Evolved Pistol
- 3D printed Keanu Reeves miniature looks sad everywhere
- Statial 3D printed fully adjustable mouse
- 3D printed Google Glass privacy cover
- Optomec is 3D printing antennas
- Belgian retailer plans to custom-made running shoes with 3D printers
- 360Heros on Kickstarter: Capture HD 360° video & photos with 3D printed designs
has a 3D-printing pen but uses it in 2D... :)
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
