IllumiFrame (Modular Lightbox)

IllumiFrame is a project that aims to create a versatile lightbox display system that offers a dynamic medium to display artworks and illustrations. The project seeks to create a customizable solution that allows users to switch between different frames, made from materials such as acrylic sheets or paper, to achieve a captivating shadowbox effect without the need for complex lighting setups.

1. Wood Plank (14x63x1100mm)
2. Frosted Acrylic Sheet
3. Designed Acrylic Sheet
4. LED strip lights
5. Wood glue
6. Sandpaper
7. Sintraboard
8. Glue gun and glue stick
9. Wood finish or paint (optional)

Using the plank of wood, cut four parallel grooves measuring 5mm x 5mm x 1000mm, spaced 5mm apart. This design can be created using the VCarve Program and executed with a CNC Router (refer to this link for the file). After adding the grooves, cut the wood into two 15cm piece and two 20cm pieces. Additionally, cut a 132mm x 26mm hole in one of the 15cm pieces, with an allowance of 9mm above and below the hole, to serve as the frame's opening. Finally, leave a 17mm allowance at the top of the wood plank to accommodate the LED strip. You should now have four wood pieces ready to assemble the frame.

Before assembling the frame, a piece of acrylic is needed to serve as a light diffuser. To do this, cut a 130mm x 205mm piece of frosted acrylic. This piece will be securely added into the frame during assembly.

To assemble the frame, connect the two 20cm pieces to one of the 15cm pieces, as shown in the picture below. Ensure the grooves are aligned, as this is where the acrylic sheets will be placed later. For easier attachment, use wood glue, making sure none seeps into the grooves. Then, add the final 15cm piece, ensuring it is also aligned for easy insertion of the acrylic sheet. Let the frame dry completely before sanding any rough edges.

To add the LED strip to the frame, cut a sintra board to 23cm x 15cm to serve as the back of the frame and the base for the LED strip. Use a glue gun to secure the LED strip onto the sintra board, fitting it inside the frame. Cut a small section out of the sintra board for the power plug to pass through. Once everything is in place and the glue has dried, attach the sintra board to the back of the frame using wood glue. Allow it to dry completely, then sand the edges if necessary. With this the main frame is complete.

This technique works with any design featuring distinguishable foreground, middle ground, and background elements.

To create a sense of depth and dimension by layering visual components, the separate parts of an image achieve the following effects:

• Foreground (Closest Layer): The most detailed and prominent features, such as trees, buildings, or characters.
• Middle Ground: Secondary elements like mid-sized objects or lesser details.
• Background (Farthest Layer): Broad, less detailed features, such as the sky or distant landscapes.

Save these elements as separate images to lay them out on different sheets of acrylic later on.

Lay out the design on an acrylic sheet using Inkscape. Ensure that the design fits on a 13cm x 21cm sheet of acrylic. Then, cut the design onto the acrylic sheet. With this, you have your art frames.

Finally, with your finished frame, slide in the cut acrylic sheet to complete your display. Plug in the lights to see the full effect.