Creating impressive 3D prints goes beyond just the physical form. Adding elements like LED lighting can significantly enhance your projects, bringing them to life and adding a professional touch. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of wiring LEDs into your 3D printed creations, ensuring they are not only visually appealing but also robust and functional. While the possibilities are vast, from simple illumination to complex interactive displays controllable by a 3d Print App, mastering the basics of wiring is crucial.
To get started with wiring LEDs into your 3D printed projects, you will need the following materials:
- 20AWG wire for reliable power delivery
- Dual T-splice wire connectors for easy and secure connections
- M3x8 bolts (x6) for mounting and securing components
We previously prepared pairs of unconnected wires at every sixth panel along the project to facilitate 12V power injection. Now, we will connect these to our power source.
Begin by cutting a length of twin core wire. It is advisable to make it approximately 10% longer than the distance to the farthest connection point along your triangular panels. This extra length provides flexibility during wiring, and any excess can be trimmed later for a cleaner finish.
Solder one end of this wire to the designated power boost pads on the main PCB. Thread the wire through the board from the rear, similar to the LED wires, and then solder it securely on the front side of the PCB. This method ensures a strong and reliable electrical connection for powering your LEDs.
Secure the PCB using four M3x8mm bolts. These bolts are used to mount the PCB onto the integrated 3D printed standoffs. Once the PCB is securely mounted, carefully flip the Control Base. Attach it to the bottom two feet of the first triangular panel using the remaining two M3x8 bolts. This secures the control electronics to the physical structure of your 3D printed project.
Now, take the new length of wire that you attached to the PCB and carefully thread it through the project. Follow the same path that you used for the LED wire connectors. Continue threading until you reach the location where you added two additional wires to the 6th panel. At this point, use a T-splice connector to join the two power wires to the LEDs.
Before clamping the connector, carefully examine it to confirm that you are connecting the correct wire to the appropriate lead on the LED. Wiring configurations can vary between connectors, so it’s important to verify. Many connectors, like the ones used here, include a small diagram on their casing to guide proper usage.
Start by clamping the connector onto the long wire that you are threading through the project. Then, carefully position the connector between the two triangular panels. The wires previously soldered to the LED strip were intentionally made oversized. Trim these wires to a more suitable length before proceeding. Insert the trimmed wires into the end of the connector and clamp them firmly into place. This ensures a secure and electrically sound connection at each power injection point.
Continue passing the long wire through the project’s length, proceeding to the next pair of wires that are attached to the 12th illuminated panel. Repeat the same connection process using another T-splice to attach it to the LED power injection wires. If this is the final power boosting point in your project, you can trim off any remaining excess wire.
By following these steps, you’ve successfully wired LEDs into your 3D printed project, enhancing its visual appeal and functionality. As you become more comfortable with these techniques, you can explore further possibilities, potentially integrating a 3d print app to control lighting patterns, colors, or even synchronize them with other project features, opening up a new dimension of interactive 3D printed creations.
