This was an experiment to see if it would be possible to 3D print an LED backlit sign. The resulting effect is pretty good in the dark, but the light doesn't travel up the back in the way I had hoped it would. The Fiesta ST silhouette is an example of what could be displayed, and is 1.1mm thick. 150mm of 60 LED/m RGB LED strip is used to light up the lightpipe, controlled by a cheap controller from eBay. NeoPixel strip (with compatible controller), would also work here. The power connector is a 2.1mm DC socket with an 8mm body diameter, also widely available from eBay.


If you think you can improve the way the light travels up the back please remix this design and let me know!


Build Guidance

• The Lightpipe Back and Support are printed out of transparent PLA, the Fiesta Silhouette and Base Top and Bottom out of black PLA.
• The Lightpipe Support and Base Top both require supports. Please see the pictures for how I printed the different parts.
• The Lightpipe Back is superglued into the Lightpipe Support.
• The LED strip is fixed to the lightpipe support with hot-melt glue.
• I used double-sided tape to attach the Fiesta ST silhouette, so I could change it later if I wanted to.
• The Base Bottom is fixed to the Base Top using two 3x12mm wood screws.
• It might be a good idea to add a fuse inline with the DC socket for safety.