LED Sticks: A Modular, Low Power, LED Light System for 3D Printe

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As someone who frequently prints and rarely sleeps, I would often find myself using my cell phone's light to examine my prints while working late at night. This habit became so tiresome that I decided to design a basic LED driver powered by a wall outlet, providing visible light for printing. My designs continued to evolve, and eventually I settled on a main driver unit (visible in the top left corner of the photo, printed in brown) accompanied by multiple clip-on LED "sticks" that can be attached to any edge of 3D printers. After having my circuit fabricated, I began prototyping the design. The current setup allows for up to eight modular LED sticks, which can be switched out with just a small adjustment to the resistor. For wiring the LEDs, I used flexible cables and covered them in clear cable protectors to ensure they could withstand rough handling while maintaining their stylish appearance. These are not standard LEDs; instead, they're designed for backlighting and aesthetic purposes. A link will soon be provided to share where I sourced these unique LEDs. As seen in the images, I secured the LED onto the stick using kapton tape, which allows users to apply any colored tape they prefer to achieve their desired light tone. Kapton tape has a semi-orange hue, producing a warm white light as opposed to bright white. To ensure a firm hold on the wire leads, I used BSI gap-filler to secure them onto the stick. A caliper was employed to take precise measurements, guaranteeing that the clips wouldn't interfere with the printing process. So far, there have been no issues with the LED driver PCB. A basic description of the PCB can be seen in the final picture; please feel free to ask questions if you have any. I'm planning on posting the schematic and parts list soon. Lastly, three .stl files are provided: the driver case and two different LED stick sizes – regular and "jumbo." These designs are straightforward and easy to print, making them perfect for quick use. This project is designed to grow and evolve; if you're interested in the LED driver unit, please don't hesitate to reach out – I have plenty available!