Make a shadow lamp from an image
A shadow lamp is a box with a lamp inside that casts your chosen image as a shadow on the wall. The Jarvis 3DP shadow lamp maker builds a print-ready lamp box from an image, made for a standard small bulb.
What is a shadow lamp?
The walls of the box are shaped so that, with a light inside, they throw a chosen picture onto the walls around it. Off, it is a simple object; on, the room fills with the image. Light passes through precise openings in the wall and builds the picture on the wall.
How the shadow lamp maker works
The tool runs in your browser:
- Upload your image. Simple images with clear lines and high contrast work best.
- The tool shapes the box walls so they cast your image as a shadow.
- Download the print-ready lamp box.
- Print the box and put a small bulb inside.
The lamp works with a standard small bulb, so you do not need a special part.
Material, size and light
A matt, dark filament such as black PLA is best for the walls, so light does not leak through unwanted places. Thicker walls give a cleaner shadow but keep very fine details closed.
A small, low-heat LED bulb is a good choice because PLA softens with heat. If you use a hotter bulb, keep a safe distance between the bulb and the wall.
Who is it for?
It is for personal gifts with a favourite image, children’s night lights, café and studio decor, and everyone who enjoys mixing light with 3D printing.
Frequently asked questions
How does a shadow lamp work?
Light passes through precise openings in the box wall and casts the image as a shadow on the wall. Off, it is just a plain box.
Which image works best?
Simple images with clear lines and high contrast, such as silhouettes and logos, work best. Images full of fine detail do not read on the wall.
What bulb do I need?
A standard small bulb is enough. A low-heat LED is better because PLA softens with heat.
Which filament should I print it in?
A matt, dark filament such as black PLA blocks stray light and gives a cleaner shadow.
What if I do not own a printer?
Send the export through the custom request form and we will give you a price and a print time.
A box with a lamp inside that casts the image you choose as a shadow on the wall.
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