Flexible LED sticker

thingiverse

A flexible strip of surface mount LEDs on flex (copper-coated polyimide film) backed with double-sided masking tape was used in this project. The film was etched using toner-transfer paper and a sign laminator, then attached to a flat, rigid surface for soldering. Copper traces were extended on one side to take advantage of the flex's flexibility. Kapton tape was placed over the traces to prevent short circuits. Double-stick masking tape was added to the back of the film and cut out into an LED strip, which was then pressed onto the bottom of the Z-stage and connected to a 3V power source. The result was a bright light source directly above the build surface. Additional LED strips may be added inside the frame in the future. Double-sided masking tape was satisfactory for adhesion, but high-temperature adhesives from 3M could be used instead. For the next attempt, copper on the backside of the film will be protected with tape to act as a reflector for the LEDs.