Here's My Push Light Lithophane Lantern!

I had a conversation with another user on the LithophaneMaker.com Facebook group and they gave me the idea to make this! Thanks, Keith! It's not quite what they had in mind, but I'll get to work on that next!

So, if you haven't figured it out yet, I really like using push lights in my designs. They are cheap, cordless, and easy to design around.

The lights are LED puck lights and can be found here:

https://a.co/d/cRBLrWE

Printing:

The lantern parts should print well with the settings I provide, no supports needed! There are some settings modifier objects and I suggest you don't mess with them. I do have combine infill on to cut down on print time, but it may cause some grinding noise. I have not had a part come off yet and have printed more than half a dozen of these so far. Also, I have the perimeter speed slowed down to give a consistent surface finish. If you change it back, you will end up with banding when you print multiple parts. Also, don't change the top infill pattern on the top. It will cause issues at the bottom of the diamonds.  Your lithophanes need to be 100 x 100 with a 6mm border.  I use lithophanemaker.com for everything I do.  It's the easiest site to use by far.

Assembly:

Add the TPU feet to the bottom of the lantern base using glue or double-stick tape. Then, insert the posts into the base one at a time. The fitment will be very tight, so putting the posts in the freezer for a few minutes will help to insert them. Next, insert the center post into the top, then apply a little glue to the top and push the top knob onto the post (it will also be a tight fit). After the glue is set, apply a small dab of grease to the threads and thread in the light holder. Work it back and forth a few times until you can fully seat it. Remove the light holder and drop in your light (don't forget the batteries!) and thread the light holder back in. Push on the top knob to turn it on and off a couple of times. You may need to tighten or loosen the light holder to get the light to work properly. Finally, insert your lithophanes and put the top on. The top comes off freely, so pick it up by the bottom when you handle it.

Operation:

Simply push on the top knob of the lantern to turn you light on or off!

Notes:

I do not recommend removing the adhesive backing from the light. There are a lot of bridges in these prints. The only ones that I have had issues with are the ones in the openings for the feet. They may need a little cleanup before you can insert the feet. Also, the bridges on the inside of the top will probably not look very good, but you'll never see them and they shouldn't be too hard to clean up if they fail a little. Also, the bottom has an opening designed to fit these LEDs as an additional light source:

https://a.co/d/7Djj00g

Additional Notes:

If you would like to make these and sell them, feel free to do so! All I ask is that you don't remove my logos and give credit for the design.

Also, I design a lot of things for RC cars as well and you can find the items I sell here: https://kmdesignslinn.etsy.com

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you like the lantern!

Kory

KM Designs

Linn, MO

KMDesignsLinn@gmail.com

EDIT:

3/14/24 - I added a profile for an alternate topper that has the pattern I originally wanted to do, but couldn't figure out how to model it.  Somehow I figured it out by accident, so here it is!