Physalis Lamp

grabcad

This lamp is inspired by the Physalis plant; the red seed in the center symbolizes the spirit and heart of people, which will always be luminous no matter what tests it faces. In this model, the light comes from the center of the seed, an allusion to the undiminished morale that often times is the light in times of darkness. The leaves surrounding it cocoon the seed and are representative of us as humans, natural beings, that create an interwoven society much like the fibers of a leaf. Especially in the current COVID-19 pandemic, while society has to separate from each other, the support we show does not change, and it is still up to the people to show love for each other. So, in the model, the leaves are separated from each other but still cocoon the seed—the spirit of the people—which is the central part of the model and the core of society. Also, on the outside, the rod connecting the lamp part with the base has a snake entwined around it, symbolic of the caduceus that is representative of many medical offices today and also a symbol of health and healing in Greek mythology—a perfect representation of the healing that is happening currently. 3D printing allows for the model to be printed with a variety of different materials, while also keeping the precise level of detail that the leaf requires. With other manufacturing models, the detail in the leaf would be lost, however with 3D printing techniques, models with high levels of detail would still be able to be printed and another dimension can be added to complex pieces of art—an advantage of using 3D printing. The leaf parts of the model would be printed using SLS, since it would allow for the model to be printed with its original level of detail, and because of the complexity, the lack of supports would be a huge advantage in saving material and benefitting the environment. The seed part of the model could be printed with any kind of technology, but SLA would be best since it could be printed using a clear resin without having obvious infill lines, which wouldn’t interfere with the diffraction of light. Everything else in the model (besides the lightbulb and electronics, which aren’t 3D printed) can be printed with any type of technology, depending on what kind of finish the user wants, it is best to use a heavier material—such as those that can be plated with metal—so that the lamp fixture can be supported. The lamp part of the model (the seed and leaves) fits within the size criteria. Ther...