Light Orb 01

thingiverse

I used code for my latest "hex" designs on a sphere, and the result was a complex shape that prints beautifully without supports on an FFF machine. It measures just under six inches across. As designed, the hole in the base fits a votive candle perfectly; I wouldn't use a real votive there, but LED votives work wonderfully well. The design will also lie flat on this base without rolling around. It looks fantastic as a large ornament on your Christmas tree! The image with the vase underneath it is actually a combination of my HexVase 04 print. Instructions This model was printed on a Makerbot Replicator using settings sliced in Makerware: "Natural" PLA extruded at 230 degrees on a removable lexan sheet. HBP was off. Two shells, 10% infill, and 200 micron layers were used. It took eleven hours and forty-five minutes to print with no supports needed. There is some stringing and overhang towards the top of the print, but it's not that noticeable since it's on the inside. For the illumination hardware, I bought a "snap-in candelabra base socket" from Home Depot, and a 45-watt candelabra bulb: note that the bulb gets hot, but as of now, there have been no issues since the print itself is so open. If you prefer something more decorative, I'd suggest using a 25-watt bulb.