3D Printed USB Articulated Lamp (internal Cable Routing)

In this project i will show you how to create a 3D printed articulated lamp. This is a reasonably advanced project as it take on average around 6 hours to model out completely checking all the details. The product has internal cable routing to create the crisp clean look whilst following the classic angle poise/ articulated design. PRODUCT FILE CAN BE DOWNLOADED ABOVE AND IS A STL FILE.

To start the 3D modeling process i would recommend first drawing a full scale mock up of the size you want your final product to be as then it become easier to model the final product as you can see exactly the final size.i Started off my creating the base then working my way along taking additional care on the hinged sections. Between the hinge and the support beam i left a 3mm gap each time as washers were placed in later. I create the pins so that they fit in with a pressure fit to hold each section securely in place. I would recommend a 3cm by 3cm square face for the support tubes and then an extrusion of any desired length however going above 30cm in length would not be recommendable with this tube thickness.. After modeling each section i would recommend dragging all the parts together as shown in the images above so you can see how the fit together and if any sizes need adjusting and amending. i would recommend a tube of at least 8mm boring through the center of the tubes so that it is enough to house the cables for the internal cable routing.

When creating the circuit i messed around with a parallel and series circuit designs. After further investigation i found that only the parallel circuit would function properly. you can click on the drawing above to see the diagrams as i used a feeder circuit in the base then a connection circuit to connect the LED's to. I used regular 3mm white LED's matched with a 12v USB connection for power. The circuit was manufactured using a,light box however you could use a pre-assembled circuit purchased from kitronik if you dont have this equipment.

To assemble the final product you need to run the wires through the hole for the internal cable routing. I would recommend shrink wrapping the wires to give the extra strength. When assembling the product file down some of the tips on the articulated joints to add extra movement then use silicon gel to smooth of the finish. I used chrome LED holders to hold my LED's correctly in place at the top of the circuit. i also added washers into the articulated joints to add friction so that the lamp would hold its position properly. If desired a paint finish can be applied however i didn't find it necessary to do this for my work.