Light transmission and diffusion test

thingiverse

Human: This project aims to investigate the ideal properties of printing materials when it comes to transmitting and diffusing light in 3D prints, particularly useful for photography. The goal is to identify the perfect shape and settings required for a square box lit by a 5mm LED. Objectives: Print various models and adjust printer/slicer settings to understand material behavior under different lighting conditions. Develop an ideal design for a cool Larson scanner (e.g., as seen in Battlestar Galactica or KnightRider) that perfectly illuminates the surroundings. Audience: * For material analysis: Basic knowledge of 3D printing and electronics, along with beginner soldering skills. * For Larson scanner: Beginner programming with an Arduino, along with soldering and basic electronics knowledge. Preparation: Find a semi-transparent printing material, ideally white PETG (or "pearl white"), which can accommodate various colored LEDs. Required materials for the project include 5mm LEDs, a power source (batteries), resistors, SolidWorks models for adjusting the cone shape and diffuser size, and an Arduino (Nano is sufficient). The instructions will help you optimize settings to achieve an evenly lit area using a single LED light source. Instructions: Start by printing a standard 20mm block without a diffuser or cone. Insert an LED and check its reflection on the opposite side; if a bright spot is observed, either add a diffuser or enlarge it to avoid direct lighting. Print multiple versions until an optimal result is achieved. Adjust settings based on outcomes, checking results for distribution. Further refine infill patterns, such as rectilinear, concentric, or honeycomb. Reduce any unnecessary fill-infill when using patterns that effectively transmit light evenly, enabling brighter output. For the final product, focus on distributing light through even distribution of these shapes. This will yield better overall outcomes. Using 3D printing settings (like slicing software layer settings and infill), aim for at least six layers with an optimal pattern to transmit the required amount of light needed. By trying different options and fine-tuning according to SolidWorks, it is easy to check which combinations lead to optimal transmission and light diffusion qualities for each design you produce. This method also helps you test material quality. The final results will be your self-built Larson scanner powered by an Arduino that provides even, fast illumination as a result of understanding how printing material influences the behavior when illuminated in different environments! By mastering this approach and understanding how your model prints work under these conditions, this project teaches the principles of making art through controlling 3D prints. This should give you all you need to know for taking high-quality images or videos in various lighting scenarios by optimizing parameters that affect material output in these experiments. This can make capturing desired shots significantly simpler by allowing fine control over your object illumination using different materials and lighting combinations.