Large WS2812B LED Coaster

This 3D printed coaster is a 20x larger version of the very popular WS2812B addressable LED. Standard package of these LEDs is called 5050, which means 5mm x 5mm housing. So, following this naming convention, this coaster is a 10001000 package, or 1k1k, because it's size is 100mm x 100mm. It was designed in Fusion360 as a parametric model based on the original dimensions of the LED out of the data sheet.

The original WS2812B LED has 3 separate LEDs (red, green, blue) and an internal controller changing the colors based on the digital protocol at DIN pin. So the coaster has also 3 LEDs and optional you can include a controller to change color and brightness. There is enough space inside the coaster.

There are two versions of the 3D files available, one with a acrylic cover to use it as a coaster, the other one without the acrylic for deco use or if you do not have access to a laser cutter.

Top and bottom of the coaster are held it place by the “SMD” pads, which slide in from the side. The contact pads on the top can be easily glued in with super glue or double-sided tape.

If you are working with electronics in your day job or hobby, you will probably have most of the components already available. If not, you can use any 3mm LEDs, a small slide switch and a CR2032 battery holder which fits in the housing. So, the mentioned part numbers are only a first guidance to start with. You can take whatever is available at your place.

• 3D printer filament (white, grey, black, transparent), preferable PETG if used with hot drinks
• 3 LEDs 3mm though-hole (red, green, blue)
• WE 151033RS03000
• WE 151033GS03000
• WE 151033BS03000
• 3 resistors (2x 220 Ohm, 1x 470 Ohm)
• CR2032 battery holder or similar coin cell
• Adafruit
• a switch
• EG1201
• some wires

All STL files for 3D printing can be downloaded from the project page at printables.com. The parts shown here were printed with a 0.6mm nozzle to speed up the print, but all nozzle sizes will work.

To avoid support, you can use the shown part orientation on the build plate.

When printing without support, check the bridging areas and if necessary, modify the bridging angle to minimize the length of the bridges. For the top part, the bridges are inside and not visible after assembly. On the bottom part, they are hidden by the pads after assembly.

The three 3mm LEDs are inserted into the 3 holes of the top part. Color order is shown in the picture. If the holes are too tight after printing, use a 3mm drill to ensure a perfect fit.

Insert the three LEDs from the back into the holes, all in the same orientation (cathode, the shorter leg, at the same side). By bending the wires, the LEDs can easily be connected and soldered together like shown in the pictures.

By using sider cutters, the wires can be trimmed to have enough space for the resistors. Depending on the used LEDs, the resistors mighty be changed to get an even brightness for all three LEDs.

After successful testing of the circuit, the wires and components can be fastened to the 3D print with hot glue.

The battery holder and the switch are inserted and fastened with hot glue. There is a small hole on one side between the two pads to access the switch from the outside. Insert a battery and check, if the LEDs are lighting up. If not, check your wiring or battery polarity.

Top and bottom part are held together just by sliding in the 4 pads from the side.

The silver pads are printed as insets and glued in either with double-sided tape or just super glue. There is a 3mf-file at the printables.com project page already containing the color change to print them with three colors:

1. Silver filament for the pads
2. Transparent filament for the LED
3. Black filament for the "IC chip"

The transparent disc is made out of acrylic. The diameter of the disc should be 76.2-76.5 mm (or 3 inch, which also works fine) and max. 3mm thickness. If you do not own a laser cutter, you can buy 3 inch acrylic discs at several ETSY stores. If you just want to print the LED as a deco object, there is also a file without the acrylic disc on printables.com called ws2812b_1k1k_top_no_acrylic.stl.

That's it, the 10001000 LED is ready for use. Put your beverage on top, switch the LEDs on and enjoy the light.

If you want to add light effects, you can easily add an Arduino or ESP and also exchange the LEDs with addressable ones. There is enough space in the housing. Also, you can just scale the model to any other size to get smaller or larger versions. You only have to adapt the size of the acrylic disc accordingly.