Edge lit acrylic sign with printed base with 12 designs

thingiverse

These are some edge-lit signs I've designed alongside a neat little 3D printed base to house the electronics. The base features a clamshell design with legs that snap on for secure placement. To power this unit, you'll need a 12V power supply equipped with a 2.1mm barrel jack connector. I use cast acrylic cut on a CNC router for the sign portion. You can etch, engrave, or sandblast any clear plastic to achieve similar results, but cast acrylic is incredibly easy to work with. To find the LED strip I used, visit https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZUUH3K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. This standard weather-resistant 4-pin PWM RGB strip is a great choice for this project. You can use whatever you prefer, but the cutout is specifically designed for the weather-resistant version. For the controllers I utilize, check out https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-PCS-Mini-3-Key-Controller-Dimmer-Amplifier-For-RGB-5050-3528-LED-Light-Strip/192221834182?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649. These inexpensive controllers eliminate the need for a remote, which can be easily lost. To integrate a power switch into your design, consider using a 2.1mm barrel jack plug with an integrated rocker switch, available at https://solarbotics.com/product/swt15/. This component will significantly enhance the appearance of your base. Simply press it into place and solder the controller leads directly to the parallel terminals. For added convenience, you can use connectors like those found at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072KRCJLD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. These allow for easier wire management by cutting them in half and soldering a small piece of 22ga solid wire to each end, which then plugs into the controller. To secure your sign base, use self-threading screws like those available at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GDXW3OE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. These screws pass through both halves of the base and the acrylic sheet, providing a secure hold on your sign.