Full Size 3D Printed LED Floor Lamp - the Laser Core Floor Lamp (Fusion 360 Files Available)

The project is to build a five-foot-tall floor lamp using 3D printing and a sound-reactive LED strip. The lamp is made up of several lanterns that are 3D printed using a clear HD PLA filament. The LED strip is sound reactive, making it an impressive visual display when turned on. The lamp is customizable, and the design can be altered to fit any preferred style. The project is easy to complete, and even those without electronics experience can make it with ease.

1. 3D printer (Lantern Model files available here: https://thangs.com/mythangs/file/713215)
2. Clear HD PLA filament (or other preferred filament)
3. .6 nozzle (for most parts)
4. .4 (for fine detail rings)
5. Threaded rod (sized to desired lamp height)
6. LED strip (sound reactive)
7. Electronics enclosure
8. Breadboard (optional)
9. Sand (for base)
10. Plastic bags (for sand)
11. Nut (to secure lamp components)
12. Rubber mallet (optional)
13. Soldering equipment (optional, depending on chosen electronics)
14. Voice mode channel (for pushing LED strip through lanterns)

Recommended List of materials

• 2 Rolls of 3D Printer Filament (Clear recommended)
• 1 Roll of 3D Printer filament (whatever color you like)
• 1 5/16 or 8mm threaded rod, 5’ or 1500mm approximately
• 4 Nuts that fit the threaded rod
• LED Light Strip https://amzn.to/3XqF2Lx
• ESP32 (For light controller)
• 5V 3A Power Supply https://amzn.to/3RQF8e6
• Breadboard/Electrocookie for soldering https://amzn.to/3YpzTVk
• MAX4466 or other WLED Microphone https://amzn.to/3xjjHJj

Full Fusion 360 Assembly Available for modifications to your liking.

The first step in building the floor lamp is to 3D print all the lanterns. The lanterns can be printed using a .6 nozzle, and for the rings, a point four nozzle can be used to achieve fine detail. A clear HD PLA filament works best for this project, but other filaments such as PETG can also be used. The lanterns also need to be printed in vase mode. You'll need to make sure you preview the slicer before sending to you printer. Low and slow! The slower you go the more crystal clear they become. It should take 4 hours per lantern at least in vase mode.

3D Printed Parts

The Laser Core Floor Lamp has both vase mode and traditionaly printed 3D printed parts. You will need a .6 nozzle to print the vase mode prints. A .4 or .6 nozzle can be used for the accessories like the base and electronics enclosures.

Vase Mode Prints

Each lantern of the Laser Core Floor Lamp is printed in vase mode with a .6 nozzle. You must print the lamp with a .6 nozzle, a .4 nozzle does not provide enough transparency and stability in the print. The accessories (such as the base and electronics enclosure) can be printed with a .4 nozzle but the vase mode prints are designed to be printed with a .6 nozzle and a .3 - .4 mm layer height. I personally printed mine with a .333 layer height.

Make it your own!

One of the greatest features of the Laser Core Floor Lamp is the ways in which you can customize it and make it your own. Here are a few ideas that can help spark your creativity. The fusion 360 file is included in this instructable!

Textures on the lanterns

With 3D Modelling software like Blender you can apply a texture to the outside of the lantern. The lantern has an external and internal shell which means you can modify the outside of the lantern without modifying the internal structure allowing you to create complex vase mode exterrior textures.

Color

The original design includes some basic color rings that can be optionally used to hide the lanterns where they touch. These can be printed in any color. For a different look you can also use a white filament instead of a translucent one. Something like a blue-ice filament could also be used to provide unique looks.

Decorative Rings

The rings are vase mode prints which can be printed in any color but these rings can also have textures or be connected outside of the lanterns to provide a new and unique look. Some have said the design has a “warp core” look. You could also create a cover for the lanters, etc.

Change the orientation, size, etc

Alter the number of lanterns and length and you have a desk lamp.

Turn it on its side and you have an internesting prop or a wall art that can also light up your room. Perhaps above a headboard? Inside your shop? Where will you use the Laser Core Floor Lamp? Share your ideas in the discord!

Once all the lanterns are printed, it's time to choose the height of the lamp. A piece of threaded rod that is the desired height of the lamp will be needed. The lanterns will be placed on the rod, so make sure to choose the height accordingly. Cut the rod to the length you need.

After the height of the lamp is chosen, the lanterns can be assembled onto the threaded rod. Start by placing the lantern base on the rod, then add all the lanterns on top of it. This will help to determine if the height of the lamp is correct. O

Next, slide the LED strip through the channel in the lanterns. There is a special vase mode channel that allows you to push the LEDs through easily. Make sure to get all the LEDs through the lanterns.

Once the LEDs are through the lanterns, add the decorative covers to hide the gap between the lanterns. Make sure everything is tight and secure, as the threaded rod will not hold a lot of weight if it's loose.

Assemble the electronics enclosure and the base. The enclosure should be large enough for a breadboard and LED. If you're not familiar with electronics, you can buy pre-made strings with controllers on them that will fit in the enclosure. The LED strip width is fairly standard.

Electronics

ESP32 used along with WLED Sound Reactive, the BOM has the electro cookie and the schematic is available here. If you want step by step instructions on how to setup a WLED controller you can visit https://youtu.be/_wZEJPShvmI which is a video I did that shows you step by step how to build the controller.

Put sand in the base using plastic bags, and then cover the base. Finally, put everything back onto the rod and tighten everything securely.

Once everything is assembled and tightened, turn on the sound-reactive LED strip and enjoy your amazing five-foot-tall floor lamp!