Use 3D modeling/printing, laser cut acrylic, resin casting, UV reactive pigment, LEDs and some simple wiring to make a high style and retro cool space invaders chandelier or lamp. I've included a nice trick for making curved corners out of laser cut acrylic, a lot of info on making the relatively difficult molds to cast the parts and a fairly complete blender tutorial for building your own printable shapes.
This was originally intended to be a full ceiling chandelier, but I really couldn't come up with anywhere to put it, so I made a table top version. If you make a proper chandelier please post pictures!
This project runs on a 9 volt battery. I made this decision because any responsible person knows they need to change their smoke detector battery periodically whether it needs it or not. This is a great use for that not yet used up battery (which is used by almost no other appliance!) It is also made with laser cut parts (which can be super efficient if you're smart about it) and the resin glows in dark enough to cast a substantial amount of light even when it's not turned on at all. It uses LEDs, but that should almost go without saying because everything that can use them should at this point!
This was originally intended to be a full ceiling chandelier, but I really couldn't come up with anywhere to put it, so I made a table top version. If you make a proper chandelier please post pictures!
This project runs on a 9 volt battery. I made this decision because any responsible person knows they need to change their smoke detector battery periodically whether it needs it or not. This is a great use for that not yet used up battery (which is used by almost no other appliance!) It is also made with laser cut parts (which can be super efficient if you're smart about it) and the resin glows in dark enough to cast a substantial amount of light even when it's not turned on at all. It uses LEDs, but that should almost go without saying because everything that can use them should at this point!
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Signing UpStep 1: Supplies and Equipment
Supplies
Resin (I use polyester but epoxy resins are safer. Either will work.)
Silicone mold maker - Amazing Mold Putty specifically. This is the only kind that worked for me.
PVA Mold Release
Acrylic Cement
3mm White LEDs (and related resistors)
Battery Snap for a 9 volt battery
Copper Wire (I used 24 gauge)
Shrink Tubing - a small size and a fairly large one that fits over resistors
Switch - I used a retro-ish large red push button, feel free to use any kind that you like.
Solder (rosin core)
Glow In the Dark Pigments
Craft Wire (20 gauge)
Jump Ring - 4mm were my choice
Jewelry Chain - well under a foot
Headpins
Equipment
Soldering Iron and Solder Sucker
Heat Gun
Pliers (needle and round) and Wire Cutters
Paper Cups (for mixing resin)
Blender or another 3D software
A 2D vector program (like Illustrator)
Small Clamps (the more the better)
Sanding Supplies - a Dremel with sanding bits is nice, sandpaper works quite well, too.
Toothpicks, dental tools, needle files and any other small tools you have around
A drill with 1/16" drill bit
Acrylic Cement Needle Applicator
Safety
Resin is made of magic and toxins, so eye, breathing and hand protection are a must. Gloves should be worn any time you're near it. Protect your eyes and lungs as well. The same goes for sanding, drilling, using acrylic cement or anything else that seems unsafe. Use good judgment.
Resin (I use polyester but epoxy resins are safer. Either will work.)
Silicone mold maker - Amazing Mold Putty specifically. This is the only kind that worked for me.
PVA Mold Release
Acrylic Cement
3mm White LEDs (and related resistors)
Battery Snap for a 9 volt battery
Copper Wire (I used 24 gauge)
Shrink Tubing - a small size and a fairly large one that fits over resistors
Switch - I used a retro-ish large red push button, feel free to use any kind that you like.
Solder (rosin core)
Glow In the Dark Pigments
Craft Wire (20 gauge)
Jump Ring - 4mm were my choice
Jewelry Chain - well under a foot
Headpins
Equipment
Soldering Iron and Solder Sucker
Heat Gun
Pliers (needle and round) and Wire Cutters
Paper Cups (for mixing resin)
Blender or another 3D software
A 2D vector program (like Illustrator)
Small Clamps (the more the better)
Sanding Supplies - a Dremel with sanding bits is nice, sandpaper works quite well, too.
Toothpicks, dental tools, needle files and any other small tools you have around
A drill with 1/16" drill bit
Acrylic Cement Needle Applicator
Safety
Resin is made of magic and toxins, so eye, breathing and hand protection are a must. Gloves should be worn any time you're near it. Protect your eyes and lungs as well. The same goes for sanding, drilling, using acrylic cement or anything else that seems unsafe. Use good judgment.
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1
Greendome
says:
Jun 6, 2009. 12:16 AMReply
beautiful
3
mg0930mg
says:
Apr 20, 2009. 7:57 PMReply
AWESOME! I love how this looks. Brings out the video game nerd in all of us. 5 Stars and fav'd.
51
technoplastique (author)
in reply to Apr 23, 2009. 12:50 AMReplyThanks! My (especially retro) video game nerd doesn't hide all that well ;-)
3
mg0930mg
in reply to Apr 23, 2009. 12:02 PMReply
Haha..yeah, that's true.
6
tarzioo
says:
Apr 22, 2009. 10:45 PMReplythis looks like A LOT of work and effort was involved and it totally looks worth it!! SO AWESOME!!
51
technoplastique (author)
in reply to Apr 23, 2009. 12:51 AMReplyIt did take a lot of work - mostly in figuring out what kind of mold to use, but it was totally worth it. The glow in the dark was totally worth it, too. And thanks!
5
threecheersfornick
says:
Apr 20, 2009. 9:03 PMReply
Good work!
51
technoplastique (author)
in reply to Apr 23, 2009. 12:50 AMReplyGood icon!
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