3d Printed Light Box

Light Boxes have the ability to teleport one to another place or into a beautiful memory.

We have multiple hand-cut paper layers with light at the back. Each layer of paper blocks some light and passes some, which creates that is calming and mesmerizing visual.

Typically one needs to cut several sheets of thick paper. Paper cut by hand or by machine

In this instructable, I will share how I 3d printed these layers

• 50mm Thick Photo frame ( 205 x 205 mm inside for photo)
• 12V LED strip (Warm white)
• 12V power adaptor
• Foam board
• cutter
• Superglue
• 3d printer (Mine Ender 3)
• 2.1 x 5.5 mm power connector female or match with the above power adaptor
• Soldering iron
• drilling machine with an 11mm bit

• There are several (paid and free) templates available on the internet
• Chose one based on liking
• Typically these templates provide jpg and/or SVG files
• One can convert them into SVG using any online tools (https://convertio.co/jpg-svg/)
• Import this SVG file into Tinkercad
• The L x B should be 200 x 200 mm
• The thickness should be 0.4 mm
• Export STL files for 3d printing
• My files are available at https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/art/together-paper-light-box-v1-amit_jain

• Print each layer with the below config
• Set layer height at 0.2 mm
• No Brim to use the full volume of my Ender 3
• No Supports
• It takes 1 to 2 hours for each layer to print
• Gently peel them from the bed surface
• One can use the template and cut paper (150 GSM is recommended)

• Drill an 11mm hole on the side of the photo frame for the female power connector
• Solder two long wires and fix the connector
• Solder these wires to the led strips as shown

• Cut Long strips of foam board (5 to 10 mm Wide)
• Clean the glass and photo frame before you begin
• Place the first layer inside the photo frame
• Supergule, foam board strips at the edge of the layer, and let it dry
• Now add the next layer and super glue foam board strips at its edge
• Repeat this for all 6 layer
• Stick a white paper sheet on the back of the photo frame

• I tested several types of LED strips, with different placements, etc
• Typically, the backlight is not supposed to be very bright, One has to view this in the evening or in darkness
• And paper lets lesser light pass compared to 3D-printed layers
• If you want the lamp to function in daylight, please put LEDs on all edges or more than 3 modules (with 3LEDs in each module)
• For the dimmer effect, I used just 2 modules
• Close the lightbox
• Place it on a shelf or hang it on a wall.
• Switch on and admire your work