--- title: LED Illuminated 3D Letters from Design to Print on PrintUP 3D Channel Letter Printer source_url: https://updating.co.za/print-a-3d-letter published: 2024-06-24 15:29:20 modified: 2024-06-24 15:29:25 fetched_at: 2026-08-30T22:15:42+0200 category: company wp_site: https://updating.co.za wp_prefix: updating_co_za wp_id: 7963 wp_type: post pass: wp-mysql-sql13-digest-2026-08-30 notes: sql13 published digest; public permalink; no MySQL hosts in body. --- # LED Illuminated 3D Letters from Design to Print on PrintUP 3D Channel Letter Printer **Source:** [https://updating.co.za/print-a-3d-letter](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](https://updating.co.za/printup-3d-channel-letter-printer) and [dual-colour 3D printing](https://updating.co.za/dual-colour-3d-printing-by-printup-k8-channel-letter-printer-concept-design-and-settings) with a [3D Printer](https://buythis.co.za/p3-fdm-k8#ai), 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](https://buythis.co.za/p3-fdm-k8#ai)! 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](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://updating.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LED-Illuminated-3D-Letters-from-Design-to-Print-on-PrintUP-3D-Channel-Letter-Printer-7-19-screenshot-1024x576.png) 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! Machines, Consumables and Parts Available from [https://buythis.co.za#ai](https://buythis.co.za#ai) For more info on Advanced Machinery visit [https://am.co.za/](https://am.co.za/) Chat with us by sending “hi” on Whatsapp to 060 600 6000​.