DIY SpongeBob Pattern Acrylic Lamp

Hello everyone! In this instrutable, I will share a simple and fun DIY project: using a diode laser engraver to etch a pattern on a transparent acrylic sheet to create a personalized SpongeBob acrylic lamp. This project is beginner-friendly and can be used to decorate your room or as a gift. Transparent acrylic produces a frosted effect after laser engraving, and when lit by an LED, it emits a soft glow.

Materials

1. Transparent acrylic sheet (at least 3mm thick, size according to your design, e.g., 15cm x 20cm rectangular sheet)
2. Black cardstock (to place under the acrylic to enhance laser absorption)
3. LED lamp base (with USB interface, simple LED strip or base to light the lamp, matching acrylic thickness)

Tools

1. NEJE Max 4 v2 laser engraver
2. LightBurn software
3. Scissors or craft knife
4. Tape or clips (to fix materials)

Choose high-quality cast acrylic sheet to avoid heat deformation. Peel off the protective film from the acrylic sheet.

Cut black cardstock slightly larger than the acrylic sheet. Place the acrylic sheet on top of the black cardstock, ensuring they are tightly adhered without gaps. (If the card stock doesn't lie flat, use tape or magnets to hold it in place)

Note: This method requires no coating. The laser passes through the acrylic and is absorbed and reflected by the black cardstock to achieve the engraving effect.

Secure the acrylic and cardstock on the laser engraver’s working area to prevent movement. Open LightBurn software and upload this design file. Adjust the laser focus to ensure the laser head is at the correct distance from the bottom surface of the acrylic.

Recommended settings: Speed 13000 mm/min, power 28% (for a 20W laser).

Start the engraving process. Use an air purifier or exhaust fan if smoke appears. After completion, remove the black cardstock and cool off the acrylic.

Gently wipe the bottom surface of the acrylic with a damp cloth or alcohol-water mixture to remove residue and keep the frosted engraving clear. Avoid scrubbing hard to prevent scratches.

At last, Insert the engraved acrylic sheet into the slot of the LED lamp base or fix it with glue.

Connect the power supply and turn on the LED light and enjoy the soft glow and your personalized SpongeBob pattern. Happy crafting!