Make a Custom LED Lithophane Lamp With Your 3D Printer!

This step-by-step guide shows you how to create a portable nightlight in 3D, customizable with your own photos or designs. With a budget of less than €10, this project is accessible to all :)

A 3D printer with PLA filament (1 white spool, 1 colored spool).

A four-beam LED flashlight (available online for ~€4).

A 3D file (available on Cults3D - Small model - Large model).

A photo in the corezsponding size (large model: 18.75 x 10 cm, small model: 7.2 x 9 cm).

A soldering iron

4 électrical wires (0.5 mm)

A strong glue.

3D Print the Parts:

1. Download the STL file (available on Cults3D - Small model - Large model).
2. Print the components:
3. The large box requires 3 parts to be assembled with glue.
4. The small box can be printed in one go with supports.
5. Use colored PLA for the casing.

Create the Lithophane:

1. Visit the free tool 3dp.rocks Lithophane.
2. Upload your photo and select settings based on your model:
3. Large model: 18.75 cm wide, 10 cm tall.
4. Small model: 7.2 cm wide, 9 cm tall.
5. Print the lithophane in white PLA for optimal light diffusion.

Disassemble the LED Flashlight:

1. Carefully disassemble the flashlight:
2. Remove the screws on the front screen to open the casing.
3. Unscrew the base to access internal components.
4. Identify and keep:
5. The LED support board.
6. The switch.
7. The battery.
8. Set aside unused parts like the second LED.

Solder the Components:

To fit the components into the 3D-printed casing:

1. Prepare the Battery:
2. Desolder the battery.
3. Identify its positive (+) and negative (-) poles.
4. Modify the Switch:
5. Desolder the switch from the LED module.
6. Extend Connections:
7. Solder 4 wires (0.5 mm) to extend the connections between the switch, and LED module.
8. Ensure proper polarity throughout the process.
9. Reconnect the Battery:
10. Solder the battery back to the switch, respecting polarity.

Final Assembly:

1. Install the LED Module:
2. Glue the LED module into the casing, aligning the USB charger port with its slot.
3. Secure it using the 4 designated mounts.
4. Position the Switch:
5. Place the switch facing the charge indicator and button.
6. Fix it using the 3 provided mounts.
7. Fit the Battery:
8. Lay the battery into its designated slot inside the casing.
9. Insert the Lithophane:
10. Slide the white-printed lithophane into the front slot of the casing.