Wanhao Duplicator i3 LED Light Bar

thingiverse

Wanted a way to video record overnight 3D prints without turning on room lights. Since several Harbor Freight 9 LED Mini Flashlights were available, they were used in this LED light bar design for the Monoprice Maker Select 3D printer (rebranded Wanhao Duplicator i3). Required non-printed parts: Six LED flashlights (often free at Harbor Freight). Four small screws (can be replaced by glue). Some insulated wire to power the LEDs. There are two light bar configurations: One that focuses all six LEDs downward in parallel, and another that focuses each LED to a separate area of the Wanhao Duplicator print bed when rear mounted. Each configuration includes brackets for mounting the light bar in front of or behind the printer's gantry. The photos show an example of the wanaho_rm mounted in the rear. A mounting bracket for other printers should be easy to create. The measured operating power of the resulting light bar is 1.8 watts. It should not impact your power bill if it runs continuously. Choose which lamp design and mounting configuration you prefer, print the required parts, and assemble a light bar. Two files are needed from the list below: wanhao_rm-build_plate_1o2.stl, straight-build_plate_2o2_Xm.stl. Replace Xm with fm or rm for front or rear light bar mounting. Print Settings: Printer: Monoprice Maker Select Rafts: No Supports: No Notes: Slic3r was used on the light bar brackets to obtain best results. Post-Printing: Remove the LED PCB and switches from the six flashlights. Cut a small slit along the edge of each flashlight body using a rotary tool with a cutting disc, then peal it open with pliers. Pinch and gently pull the rubber switch cover to reveal the switch and pry out the switch with a small screwdriver. Trim the switch terminals and drill small holes for solder connection. Build the wire harness to power the light bar and place it in the wire channel of the printed body. Solder the leads to each PCB and power switch on the support bracket. The inner circle of LED leads are positive terminals. Insert the switch and switch cover/plug into the switch bracket and assemble the light bar. Mount the assembled light on your printer and connect to a powers source. The total current draw is less than 500ma at 4.5v and can easily be powered by the printers power supply, a USB plug, etc. Add a 1 milli-ohm resistor in series for a suitable voltage drop when powering at 5 volts.