Ender 3 Pro Lighting

thingiverse

There are two versions provided. <b>Solder-less:</b> This version is meant for the light strip to be stuck to, without the need to solder the individual lights. It will ultimately use more lights in the strip as a result, but it will still allow them to slide into the rail with minimal effort You will need a strip of roughly 12-24 lights per side (depending on z-axis height) <b>Base Unit:</b> This is the original design, and allows for using roughly 1/2 the number of LEDs vs. the Solder-less version. It does require soldering connecting wires between the LEDs. due to potential current needs, I would recommend a minimum of 18GA. You will need roughly 6-12 lights per side (depending on z-axis height) <b>Base Unit Assembly</b> If found it was easier to solder the wires to one side of each light, and then feed them through the track, and stick the light to the strip. Once all are attached, then randomize soldering the remaining connections of the lights. This cuts down on the amount of heat transferred to the PLA, and helps prevent warping. Go slow with it, be sure to give the PLA time to cool down, and move quickly when doing the actual soldering piece. I'd say keep the soldering of each connection to 10 seconds or less, and let that area cool for at least 20 seconds before returning to it to keep the PLA from warping. If the PLA does warp, you can usually form it back using a heat gun but be careful. There isn't a lot of tolerance available. <b>Printing Instructions</b> Regardless of version you go with, the following print needs still apply unless otherwise stated Standard ender 3 (270mm Print height): 1x of the chosen style per side Ender 3 z-axis Upgrade 500mm (370mm z-axis Print Height) 2x of the chosen style per side <b>Lighting Requirements</b> Depending on the style you choose to use, the estimated number of lights per "strip" printed are below Solder-less: 12 lights per print Base-Unit: 6 lights per print <b>Other Notes</b> The lights I had used are available from the link below. Please note, these dont come with their own controller and I actually built my own. They will not function without being "told" what to do. https://a.co/d/fR3tswZ As a result, I cannot guarantee that this will work with any light strip out there. The available width to prevent interference while sliding the bar into the z-axis rail is very limited. As is the available distance between the wheel (on the units that have them) and LEDs themselves. Use caution and do a lot of tests with the unit and lights before running them permanently. In my setup I have less than 0.5mm clearance between the wheels and the top of the LEDs. <b>Control Board</b> I am working on the PCB Design and assembly/wiring instructions and hope to post soon(ish) along with the compiled code for those that wish to build this unit in its entirety.