How to make a laser cut lamp

Step 3: CAD modeling

It is definitely possible to create this lamp without using 3D modeling software. I wanted to be sure everything was going to fit together first time which is why I modeled it in a CAD program first. It allowed me to make sure the proportions were right and and my jointing techniques were going to work.

I also designed a method for connecting all the parts that didn't involve glue and would still work if the material thickness varied, a common problem with acrylic.

Once I had the 3D computer model looking good I created 2D drawing of the individual parts and saved it as a DXF. A DXF file is a really common file format when working with 3D modeling software that can be opened by loads of applications.