LED Illuminated 3D Letters from Design to Print on PrintUP 3D Channel Letter Printer

Source: https://updating.co.za/print-a-3d-letter

• published: 2024-06-24 15:29:20
• modified: 2024-06-24 15:29:25
• youtube:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnLWjFsFyec
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_qiE7YmIPQ
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gn4-kVjc4k

Armed with the foundational knowledge from our previous videos on the basics of 3D printing and dual-colour 3D printing with a 3D Printer, we are now ready to tackle our primary goal: to do the 3D letter channel printing with our P3-FDM/K8: AM.CO.ZA PrintUP 800x800x80mm Channel Letter 3D Printer! In this tutorial, we'll walk you through creating a single letter, leveraging the skills you've already acquired.

Watch the below video where we create a single letter and show you how to do it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnLWjFsFyec
Watch Video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnLWjFsFyec

Setting Up the Design

• Choosing Your Design Software:

Depending on the software you have (such as CorelDRAW or Adobe Illustrator), you will begin by creating your vector-based design. If you don't have access to these, you can use TinkerCAD, a free online 3D modelling tool.

• Creating the Letter:

Open your chosen program and use the text tool to type out the letter or word you need. For simplicity, we’ll use the letter “L.”

• Select an appropriate font that is clear and straight-edged to make the process easier.

• Resizing the Letter:

Adjust the size of your letter to suit your printing requirements. Start by making it large enough to work with and later scale it down to the desired size.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_qiE7YmIPQ

Designing the Channel

• Creating the Base:

Reduce the height of your letter to create a base layer. This base will support the letter and house the LED strip.

• Ensure the letter is sufficiently large to accommodate the LED strip.

• Making Entry and Exit Points for LEDs:

Add entry and exit holes in your design for the LED strip. These should be large enough to fit the strip comfortably. Typically, a 5mm opening works well for standard LED strips.

• Use TinkerCAD’s hole tool to create these openings, ensuring they are aligned with the design’s requirements.

• Building the Sidewalls:

Duplicate the letter and create sidewalls. Adjust the height to create a boundary that will contain the LEDs.

• Align the new shape with the base layer and ensure it’s the correct height to house the LED strip.

• Creating the Channel Inside the Letter:

Create an inner channel by adding another layer inside your letter. This channel will house the LED strip and guide the light.

• Ensure the channel is proportionate and properly aligned within the outer walls.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gn4-kVjc4k

Final Adjustments

• Grouping and Punching Out Sections:

Group the designs and punch out the necessary sections to ensure the channel is hollow and ready for the LED strip.

• Make sure the punched-out sections are precise and clean.

• Creating the Top Layer:

Design a top layer that will cover the letter after the LEDs are installed. This layer can be printed separately and glued on top.

• Consider using translucent filament for the top layer to diffuse the LED light effectively.

Preparing for Print

• Exporting the STL Files:

Export the base and top layer designs as STL files from your design software.

• Open these files in your slicing software (such as Cura) and prepare them for printing.

• Setting Up in Cura:

Load your STL files into Cura and ensure everything is correctly scaled and positioned.

• Use the support blocker tool to manage where colour changes will occur if you’re using dual-colour printing.

• Configuring Colour Changes:

In Cura, select where you want the colour changes to occur. This can be done by adding a support blocker and modifying it to define different colour regions.

• Ensure the correct colours are loaded into your printer before starting the print.

• Printing the Design:

Start the print and monitor it to ensure everything is proceeding smoothly. Pay attention to the colour changes and the integrity of the structure.

Post-Processing

• Cleaning Up the Print:

Once the print is complete, clean up any excess plastic or stringing using clippers or cutters.

• Sand any rough edges to ensure a smooth finish.

• Assembling the Components:

Place the LED strip into the channel, ensuring it fits snugly and runs through the designated entry and exit points.

• Attach the top layer by gluing it onto the base. Ensure it’s securely in place and properly aligned.

• Finishing Touches:

Sand the entire piece for a smooth finish. Optionally, you can paint the letter for a glossy effect or to match a specific colour scheme.

By following these steps, you’ll have a fully functional 3D letter with an integrated LED channel, ready for display. For more detailed settings and configurations, refer to our previous videos on 3D printing basics and dual-colour printing. Happy printing!

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