Introduction: Light Diffuser for Video LED Lights
Hi
This is an led light Diffuser for My Digipro LED Light. I use them for shooting videos for my youtube channel and travel videos too. Some time ago I feel that these LEDs are creating too strong shadows and need to be diffused. I purchased two umbrella diffusers that do the job, but in my small setup, the umbrella blocks the working environment and during travel shoot, it is very long to put them all into one backpack. Also, the umbrella is fixed to the stands and hence not the suit for changeable direction with the Light's 180-degree rotation. Hence I thought about a diffuser frame where I can use some diffusing Films or cloth to diffuse the light. And here is an idea using a 3D printing technique. The idea may not be a 100% solution but works well for me.
The most critical part is a 3D printer here, but you can order the prints after designing or from my STL file. I am sure this stl file will not fit into other brands, hence use it as reference purpose only and design it yourself.
Supplies
1. Diffusing Film - Use anything you like, I used a film normally used to insulate transformer winding. Its cheap and works. Use professional diffusing cloth for good results.
2. PLA Filament - I use solid space, available in India.
3. Tools- Scissor, Measurement Tape/Scale, Vernier Caliper (for designing your own LED light, Utility Knief.
4. 3D DesignSoftware (Optional)- Fusion 360, or any 3D design software you are familiar with. This is required only if you want to redesign the entire thing for your own Light.
Optional - A 3D Printer - 220mm x 220mm x 220 mm bed size should be recommended. Or you can order it from your nearest online 3d printing service providers.
Step 1: Designing the 3D Object
Using the Fusion 360, Use your Caliper or Scale to measure the LED light outer dimension, to make sure that can hold the frame without causing any issues to the controlling the light, temperature issues, and operation.
Groves- For LED and Diffuser Film to be pushed in and be intact till use. Make sure these are made properly with reference to the photos I shared above. The thickness of LED outer walls will decide how much width of grove you need.
Space Between Diffuser and LED - This should be at least 1 CM to ensure that you get proper diffusing, and also to make sure your diffusing films do not absorb the heat from your light source.
Other Things are not much critical, the print setting is on next step.
This is very simple yet critical, in my 1st attempt I made a mistake which I can live up with, but I can't control the brightness of the LED once the frame is on. Hence design it perfectly so that you can operate it smoothly.
You can use any 3D design software you are familiar with.
Here is the link of my stl file on Thingiverse - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4566356
Step 2: Print It
I did it using my Creality Ender 3 Printer, you can use any 3d Printer you have but the dimension is very critical, so make sure it fits your bed. Doing it vertically will take lots of support hence not recommended at all.
You can also take help from 3D printing services around you. If you are in India, then think 3D is a good option to try.
Infill - I used 20%, that took around 10 hours to print. It works also. With little bit more infill, it may get stronger but the flexibility may be at compromise and it may crack. I am not sure, you can experiment that.
Materials- I used PLA made by Indian Startup Solid Space, you can use any PLA or if wish can go for other materials and share the results too.
Support - Yes, Support is needed as it has groves for the diffuser film as well as the LED itself to be put into.
Step 3: Making the Diffuser & Fixing It
The intention here is to make the frame for the diffuser, but I believe a diffuser option is also there for you. I have used the insulation films used in Transformer Winding, easily available Rs10 per Meter at local winding supplies. I recommend photography ready diffusing material like white cloths or anything that is available with your camera supply store.
Remember we need a small piece of it to use, hence cut according to your frame size using a sharpie or scissors. I am not giving any dimensions here because my frame is for my LED light model only, yours may be different. Also, the frame may get a bit bend after use, hence Experiment it with yourself to make sure it stays intact with your frame.
At last, you can either glue it using super glue or put the diffuser film or paper in the grooves I made. This design is for reference only, and unless you are having the exact same model of LED light as me, don't just copy it. Start from the beginning.
Finally, time to fix it with your LED lights and switch it on. If the diffusing is less, then try to use multi-layers of the diffusing material or use something less transparent.
Step 4: Future Development
In Future I plan it to have a something like GoPro to be mountable Go Pro mounts. Also the space should be provided for the control knobs to be accessible to the user. Little bit more infill to make it stronger.
Your suggestions are always welcome.
You still here? Go, make it .