Introduction: RGB Laser-Cut Edge-Lit Headphone Stand

About: Hello, I am Debdurba Chatterjee and I have a strong passion for science, engineering, and craft work. I love making projects that are simple, cool and fun to work on. Follow our page for more amazing projects …

If you are a gaming nerd and a DIY enthusiast, we have got the perfect weekend project to add some unique flavor to your gaming setup. With the power of digital fabrication and some clever CAD, we have created an RGB Laser-Cut Edge-Lit Headphone Stand. The stand features an aesthetic and modern design while giving you complete control of the color of the lights and its brightness. It's also equipped with a remote control and can also be upgraded to smartphone control or Alexa control.

Follow on to create your own RGB Laser-Cut Edge-Lit Headphone Stand and do drop a favorite and follow this page if you enjoyed the project and decide to build your own version. We would love to see your own versions so do post your creations using the "I made it" section.

Step 1: Materials Needed

Here is the list of all the parts and tools required to make your very own RGB Laser-Cut Edge-Lit Headphone Stand. All parts should be commonly available in local hardware stores or online.

Materials:

  • RGB LED Strip
  • 10mm Clear Acrylic
  • 3mm Black Acrylic
  • 2mm Clear Acrylic

Tools

  • Laser cutter
  • Sand Paper
  • Super Glue

Excluding the tools the total cost of this project is roughly 20$.

Step 2: Digitally Fabricated Parts

CAM tools such as laser cutters have simplified the process of building custom parts and pieces for projects. We began by creating a 3D model of our concept design and generate profiles of each piece so that we could laser cut them. Since the parts required for this project had to be custom designed, a laser cutter was used to manufacture them. You can find the complete list of parts below along with the design files to laser cut the parts for your own version.

  • Base x 1
  • LED Strip Holder a x 1
  • LED Strip Holder b x 1
  • Vertical Stand 3mm x 3
  • Vertical Stand 2mm x 2

In total there are 8 laser cut parts and the pieces take less than 10 minutes to laser cut.

The design files for this project are attached below.

Step 3: Making the Vertical Stand

Begin the build process by assembling the vertical stand which comprises of 5 layers of 3mm black and 2mm clear pieces sandwiched in alternating order. To join the pieces together, use hot glue on both surfaces and join the pieces while making sure that the pieces are well aligned. Repeat this process by making sure that the two outer most layers are black. We also suggest you to use a set of clamps to clamp the pieces together overnight since this piece is a crucial aspect of the entire design.

Step 4: Making the Base

Once the vertical stand is complete, attach the two LED Strip Holder pieces in a similar manner using super glue. The LED strip will mount onto this section and this is the piece that will join the vertical stand and the 10mm clear acrylic base. Make sure to align the two pieces carefully by lining the outer edge. Clamp the piece firmly overnight for a good joint.

Step 5: Joining the Base and Vertical Stand

Once the base and vertical stand are complete, slot the vertical stand onto the gap formed in the base piece. The fit is snug but we recommend some more super glue at the joint so that the pieces are held together firmly. Make sure to line the vertical stand piece so that it is completely vertical. Use a flat surface to complete the joint.

Step 6: Preparing and Attaching the LED Strip

The LED strip was cut to length and wires were soldered to one end to provide power. The adhesive on the LED strips were then used to mount the LED strip onto the inner surface of the base piece. Pass the wires through the narrow slit on the acrylic piece.

Step 7: Final Assembly

Once the LEDs are mounted, you can join the 10mm clear acrylic base to the headphone stand. We recommend you to use 400 grit sand paper to sand the edges of the piece to create a diffusing layer. This creates a better effect and spreads the light from the individual LEDs on the LED strip more evenly. Place the acrylic base on a flat surface and line up the vertical stand assembly and use some super glue to secure the two pieces together.

Step 8: Final Results

To use the RGB Laser-Cut Edge-Lit Headphone Stand, connect the LED strip connector to the corresponding controller and set the lights to your favorite colors.

Now, simply sit back the elegance and minimalist beauty of your very own RGB Laser-Cut Edge-Lit Headphone Stand.

We hope you enjoyed this Instructable and it has inspired you to build your own RGB Laser-Cut Edge-Lit Headphone Stand and create a neat, minimalist conversation starter for your desk using the power of laser cutting and CAD. We would love to see your very own versions of this project so do post them using the "I made it" section. Apart from that, feedback, questions, comment, concerns can be addressed in the comment section below.

Happy Making!

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